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Unleashing innovation: making the FCC user‐friendly

Stephen J. Lukasik (Based at the Center for International Strategy, Technology and Policy, The Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA)

info

ISSN: 1463-6697

Article publication date: 14 August 2009

309

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe a case study of the FCC, dealing with relieving the tension between technical innovation and the regulation of applications of technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The author's experience as Chief Scientist of the FCC is used to show how the innovations of the information age were accommodated under the procedures governing the regulation of communications.

Findings

The success of the rapid introduction of digital information technology and networking, replacing analog telephony and inflexible technical rules governing the use of the electromagnetic spectrum, resulted from relatively minor modifications in staffing of a technical planning office lacking currency with the innovations in the technology supporting the communication and broadcasting industries. The support of the chairman, the commissioners, and their confidence in the leadership of the office were critical to success.

Originality/value

Leading a regulatory agency to helping rather than hindering progress speaks for itself.

Keywords

Citation

Lukasik, S.J. (2009), "Unleashing innovation: making the FCC user‐friendly", info, Vol. 11 No. 5, pp. 76-85. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636690910989342

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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