Centralized Software vs Open Market: CAN Federation Discusses Nepal’s Tech Future
CAN Federation hosts a national discussion on “Centralized Software Development vs. Open Market” to shape Nepal’s tech policy and boost ICT employment.
The Software and Services Committee of the Computer Association of Nepal (CAN Federation) is organizing a national interaction program titled “Centralized Software Development vs. Open Market? The Future of Nepalese Technology and Employment.”
The program aims to bring together policymakers, government officials, software companies, ICT professionals, academia, development partners, and industry stakeholders to discuss the future direction of Nepal’s software ecosystem.
As Nepal advances its digital transformation agenda, the interaction will focus on strengthening the country’s domestic software industry while promoting innovation, competitiveness, digital sovereignty, and sustainable employment opportunities for Nepalese ICT professionals.
A major highlight of the program will be the presentation of the Conceptual Framework for Software Development in Nepal, developed by CAN Federation Acting President and IT Industry Leader Chiranjibi Adhikari.
The framework proposes a strategic roadmap for building a robust national software ecosystem that encourages innovation, enhances software quality, supports local enterprises, and promotes collaboration between the government, private sector, academia, startups, and development partners.
The proposed framework is intended to serve as a foundation for future software policies and digital transformation initiatives in Nepal.
It emphasizes the importance of balancing open market principles with strategic support for domestic software development, ensuring that Nepal can build sustainable digital capabilities while remaining globally competitive.
Objectives of the Proposed Software Development Framework
The conceptual framework seeks to:
Strengthen Nepal’s domestic software industry through supportive policies.
Encourage the adoption of software solutions developed by Nepalese companies.
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Promote fair competition while protecting innovation and local entrepreneurship.
Generate high-value employment opportunities for software engineers and ICT professionals.
Reduce dependency on imported software by enhancing indigenous technological capabilities.
Improve software quality, cybersecurity, interoperability, and compliance with international standards.
Foster innovation, research, and software product development.
Support startups and small and medium-sized software enterprises.
Expand software exports and position Nepal as an emerging regional technology hub.
Promote collaboration among government, industry, academia, and the private sector.
The interaction program will provide an open platform for constructive dialogue and expert recommendations regarding centralized software development, government procurement policies, software standards, cybersecurity, digital governance, public-private partnerships, startup development, software exports, and the future of Nepal’s software policy.
Recommendations generated from the discussion are expected to contribute to the formulation of a comprehensive national software framework that supports innovation, strengthens Nepal’s ICT industry, creates quality employment, and accelerates the country’s digital economy.
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