Introduction to Texas

1. Information and Communication Technology for Rural Development in the State of Texas, United StatesWorkshop on Information and Communication Technology for Science and Technology Innovation, Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Development in Rural ChinaBeihai City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, ChinaFebruary 18, 2008Robert WoodOffice of the Comptroller of Public AccountsState of Texas

2. Introduction to Texas • Located in the Southern United States on the Gulf of Mexico • Varied Topography and Mild Climate

3. Introduction • Texas • 696,200 square kilometers • Population of 23.5 million people • 85% of the Texas population lives in urban areas • Approximately 3.3 million people live in rural areas

4. In Comparison • China has an area of 9,596,960 square kilometers and a population of 1.3 billion people • Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regionhas an area of 230,000 square kilometers of a population of 45 million people

5. Barriers to Technology in Rural Areas • Lack of Infrastructure • low population density = fewer users = fewer customers • Cost • Assumption that rural people do not need (or want) technology? • Aging population – older residents are less likely to adopt new technology

6. Technology Projects in Texas Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund • $1 billion USD over 10 years • Schools, Libraries, Universities, Colleges • Infrastructure • Training • Computers in schools

7. Technology Projects in Texas Telemedicine • University Health Science Center Began in 1990, serves an area about the size of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region • Connects rural clinics to University Medical Doctors • Serves rural hospitals, rural clinics and schools

8. Technology Projects in Texas Distance Education and Workforce Training • Consortiums of universities and colleges • Reaches rural areas across the state • Supported by 28 workforce regions with local offices • Allows continuing education for adults in the workforce or agriculture

9. Technology Projects Creating an Online Community www.thebeehive.org • A public, private & philanthropic partnership • Online community development applications that are useful – health, employment, community issues, education • Provides training and connections that make technology accessible

10. Lessons Learned Create demand Begin locally - provide what the community wants • Agriculture - technology, markets and regulation • Education • Healthcare • Entertainment • Employment and Entrepreneurship

11. Lessons Learned Create Demand • Create community awareness of the benefits • Aggregate the focus so that providers can see the demand potential • Focus on youth

12. Lessons Learned Collaborate • Although most projects rely on initial leadership and funding from government, successful projects are usually a collaboration of several entities • Government, private industry and non-profit entities must work together

13. Lessons Learned Use A Flexible Approach to Technology • Wired • Wireless • Satellite • Cable • Phone line

14. Lessons Learned Create Community Technology Centers • Free or low cost computer use • Located in schools, community centers, government buildings • Allow residents to explore the Internet to learn about jobs, news, and healthcare

15. Lessons Learned Set Goals and Measure • You can not improve if you do not measure

16. Questions?

17. Thank You Robert Wood Head of DepartmentTexas Local Government Planning, Guidance and Economic DevelopmentComptroller of Public AccountsState of Texasrobert.wood@cpa.state.tx.us