8. Tablet Computer Industry The development of a national tablet computer industry and software is expected to have a positive impact on the national economy, on national exports and on meeting local needs at affordable prices corresponding to the living standard of the citizen. The Egyptian tablet computer industry will offer a variety of products corresponding to a wide range of needs and incomes. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology will adopt the following policies for the development of tablet computer industry: a-Developing the electronics industry (tablet computer) and increasing its contribution to national income Setting up a work system that supports the electronics industry and fosters its global competitiveness Adopting initiatives to raise government demand for tablet computers, such as the education development initiative launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education Capacity building for companies operating in the field of tablet computers manufacturing Developing standards and specifications for equipment and spare parts used in the manufacturing of electronic products for quality assurance Developing an integrated marketing plan to promote the export of low-cost electronics and technology products in Africa Including of tablet computers in e-waste management programs to ensure their safe and rational disposal/ reuse/recycling b-Promoting advanced research and creative design and engineering in the manufacturing of tablet computers through development of regulations and standards, promoting funding for R&D, entrepreneurship and protection of intellectual property rights in the field of electronics manufacturing 16 9. Open-Source Software Open source technologies are nowadays a corner stone for giant establishments and institutions. This shift resulted from the continuous development of the OSS’ enabling environment. Some open source projects were selected among the leading programs in manufacturing products used by the government sector. Accordingly, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology works on boosting the open source software through the following policies: a-Ensuring future generations are experienced in open source software Promoting the use of Linux operating system and open source software by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education Enhancing students’ skills, expertise and capabilities in open source software in specialized undergraduate programs Promoting research and development in the field of open source software b-Increasing the use of open source software by government entities and in developmental applications Raising local companies’ capabilities in developing, operating and maintaining information systems based on OSS Promoting the use of open source software by government entities through the provision of relevant training Promoting the use of open source software in suitable government applications Promoting the use of open source software in developmental applications Giving a priority in the assessment of bids for government tenders to offers relying on viable open source solutions Removing procedural barriers to the approval of open source products for the government, with special consideration of different commercial models and relations within the supply chain 17