The Philippine IT industry : a feasible IT investment site?

Abstract

The aggressive computerization policies by the Singapore Government since 1980 has created a large assemble of local Information Technology(IT) entrepreneurs. However, due to the small size of the Singapore market, the growth potential of these entrepreneurs are limited. The Philippines were amongst the first countries in Asia to have started the use of computers, and was ranked next only to Japan in terms of computer usage growth. However, since the mid-70' s, the country began losing this technological leadership due to poor economical performance and political instability. Since the early 90s, the situation there started to improve. This study is aimed at aiding the local IT entrepreneur in evaluating the Philippines as an investment site. This objective is achieved by painting a picture of the Philippine IT Industry and conducting a competitive analysis of the Philippine IT industry. This is accomplished by compiling publicly available information, conducting interviews with prominent figures in the Philippine IT industry and conducting surveys. The analysis shows that the Philippines has yet to achieve national competitive advantage but efforts by the government and the people are creating an environment that could make the IT industry a Philippine export champion.