The world economy has been transformed from industry-based to information-based where "information" becomes an important part of the production and economic processes. Every country is in the competition to put advances in computing and telecommunications technologies to their advantage, and not be left behind. Over the past decade, information became a product which was also considered as being part of the production cost. However, to be able to fully utilise available information, one needs a platform on which the available information can be processed and used effectively. A basic infrastructure for information processing includes construction of telecommunications network, development of information technology (IT) applications, and usage of other relevant resources, all of which need continuing support in research and development.
Rwanda is in the process of developing herself into a "knowledge-based" economy in order to reap the benefits that come with this advancement. To this end, three areas have been identified as being the main interests in the research and development (R&D) community.
- Essential Research
The conducting of basic research into fundamental technologies in the ICT industry. The product of this will be the information which RITA can utilise to ameliorate the provision of services to the Government.
- Product Development
The creation and transformation of ideas and concepts into a product definition that satisfies customer requirements. To accomplish that we seek to provide technology consultation, develop models, provide ICT adoption guidance, and establish ICT policy and standards in Government.
