Terms of Reference
[ Last Updated 16 February 2006 ]
February 2001
Amended: August 2001
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Contents
Purpose
The ECAT Core Group is being set up to support business and the wider community to take a shared leadership role with Government in advancing e-commerce in New Zealand and the implementation of the e-commerce strategy.
Framework
ECAT is a three-part model that consists of the Core group, a self-selecting ECAT Network of industry, regional and specific interest groups, and a website.
Membership
The ECAT core group is a broadly representative but small group of industry/business leaders and e-commerce savvy individuals appointed by the Minister for Information Technology. Nominations of organisations have been sought for their leadership rather than their IT skills or knowledge. However, a number of individual members are also being appointed for their working knowledge of e-commerce.
The choice of organisations has been prioritised around those groups whose membership has a significant impact across the economy and society.
A multiplier effect is being sought in regard to sectoral representation, that is, involving those occupations or sectors where an increase in members' understanding of e-commerce will significantly assist business generally to improve their uptake of e-commerce.
ECAT is a key element of the Government's E-Commerce Strategy. It reports to the Minister for Information Technology.
Core Principles
The principles that underpin the e-commerce strategy will guide the approach taken by ECAT:
- Leadership is a shared responsibility between government, business and the broader community;
- Human capability is the key area for investment;
- There should be an open domestic and regulatory approach that facilitates the development of infrastructure and interoperability with our key trading partners, and avoids undue restrictions and costs on e-commerce;
- Choices about new technology and exploitation of opportunities must be led by the private sector. The development of electronic commerce will be market-driven, and led by individuals and business innovators;
- There should be a predictable, simple and consistent legal environment for e-commerce. Where the government intervenes it will do so in a transparent way;
- Policy responses should be flexible and responsive to developments in a rapidly-changing technology environment;
- Building consumer confidence is essential for the fullest economic and social benefits to flow from e-commerce;
- The government should be a model user of e-commerce in implementing its e-government programme.
Overarching Objectives
The overarching objective of ECAT is to support the implementation of the government's E-Commerce Strategy, while providing industry sector group leadership in order to:
- Advance the uptake of e-commerce across regions and sectors;
- Improve the e-commerce capabilities of businesses and those who advise business;
- Promote the establishment of ECATs within sectors, regions and communities, and the development of their six-quarter e-commerce action plans;
- Enhance the e-capability of New Zealand's export businesses in a global economy; and
- Promote e-commerce within the broader community as a means of educating New Zealanders about the opportunities it provides and the changes it is likely to bring.
Key Roles
The key roles of ECAT will be to:
- Identify targets and measurement criteria for e-commerce uptake within the private sector, and monitor performance against agreed goals;
- Monitor the progress of e-commerce across New Zealand;
- Facilitate the uptake of e-commerce throughout New Zealand;
- Identify core research programmes to support ECAT activities and/or advance understanding of e-commerce;
- Initiate, or respond to requests for advice to government, including provision for reducing the compliance costs through application of electronic technology
- Provide a link to industry sector, professional and other relevant organisations.
- Lead by example through using the technology to co-ordinate activities, share knowledge and build the wider ECAT Network.
Role of Individual ECAT Members
It is envisaged that, at least initially, the ECAT core group would meet at 6-weekly intervals, moving to a quarterly meeting schedule within 4-6 months. Where possible, the Minister for Information Technology will attend meetings of the core group.
Expenses would be met, but no fees are payable to members.
In addition to active participation at ECAT meetings, core group members would be seen as e-commerce catalysts/facilitators. This could include:
- Working with their "constituencies" to encourage the uptake of e-commerce and/or to enhance the understanding of the opportunities it provides;
- Encouraging the creation of mini-ECATs on a regional or sectoral basis;
- Identifying research that could contribute to the objectives of ECAT;
- Being available to participate in regional and/or sectoral e-commerce activities.
Government Purchasing Decisions
The ECAT core group will not have any influence or involvement in government purchasing decisions, which remain the responsibility of individual government agencies within their areas of accountability.
Servicing/Support
The IT Policy Group of the Ministry of Economic Development will provide secretariat and other support for the ECAT core group.
Review
While adjustments to the operation of the ECAT Core will be made as required by the Minister or members, the appropriateness of the structure and support will be formally reviewed after 12 months so that improvements can be made as required.
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