Telematics policy in the ASEAN countries: A base-line data taxonomy of telecommunications and information systems infrastructure and investment for development planning

Telematics is the growing convergence of computer and information systems technologies with telecommunications and broadcast systems.;In the ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations), telematics development is part and parcel to the rapid economic expansion of the region. Trends in policies for the development of telematics in the ASEAN include increasing liberalization of markets, moves toward the deregulation and privatization of the telecommunications authorities and increasing private participation in telematics development.;In order to effect institutionally recognized telematics policy and planning in the region, a base-line data taxonomy of infrastructure and investment for development planning is proposed. Due to the complex, problem-oriented nature of telematics studies, an interdisciplinary approach to understanding theory and methods of research is taken.;A description of telematics policies, infrastructure, investments and markets with regards to social, political, economic, cultural and technical development in five of six ASEAN countries is presented. From this, key developments in telematics in the ASEAN result in the formulation of a draft base-line data taxonomy as an indicator of telematics development and for use in regional planning. A methodology to develop and refine the data taxonomy is proposed and executed which includes open interviews in a survey of key policy makers in three of the six ASEAN countries, namely, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Initial feedback on use of the taxonomy from Malaysia and the Philippines confirms the viability of the base-line data taxonomy for policy and planning purposes in the region.;Data gathered as a result of the operationalization of the base-line data taxonomy could be used with numerous communication planning methods. A formal adoption of the taxonomy and its subsequent implementation in the ASEAN region on an official level is recommended. The process of modifying and updating the description and taxonomy should continue in an effort to provide a meaningful set of tools for policy and planning. The base-line data taxonomy is but a beginning to the operationalization and use of data gathered under its rubrics for policy and planning purposes in the ASEAN region.