The agency to Innovation (a2i) program is ready to become a full-fledged agency with government funding, joining the software and digital innovation market. The cabinet sanctioned the Agency to Innovation (a2i) Act 2021 in principle earlier in the month of May, which intends to convert the a2i (Aspire to Innovate) initiative into an agency.
a2i program is a foreign donor-supported initiative located at the Prime Minister’s office that works with the objective to innovate and digitize public services. As an expert or technical committee, a2i has provided consulting and project execution for all ministries and government entities.
United Nations Development Programme initially funded BDT 950 crore to assist the government’s digitization programs. The draft of the law states that a2i transformed into an agency with the authority to accept any project or give any consulting needed, to “create an informed society, where technological innovations may flourish to produce citizen-friendly services. The organization will rely heavily on government grants, contributions, and support. Apart from that foreign grants, consultant fees, money from services, and “income from own sources will be other sources of funding.
The agency will give the government an annual budget outlining its budgetary needs. The allocated money will be utilized in accordance with its rules, but the remainder of the cash will be spent to manage the whole system. It will lease out its infrastructure and invests and trades with its cash as well.
The tech associations’ letter states that Permission has been granted for a2i to incorporate several firms and participate directly in the business. Individuals, corporations, companies, and other commercial and government entities will be able to form joint ventures and partnerships with the permission of the management.
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