Policy tools for public involvement in the deployment of next generation communications

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the policy tools to complement public involvement and public‐private collaboration in the deployment of next generation electronic communications infrastructures.

Design/methodology/approach

The special issue, of which this paper is a part, examines a number of policy tools that support public involvement and enhance public‐private partnering in next generation infrastructures, tools that are generally overlooked. The papers explore the main domains where these complementary actions might take place. They encompass policies directed to the demand and supply sides of the market, information society and industrial innovation policies, additional measures that can be taken by local and regional public administrations and new policy tools to foster user empowerment.

Findings

From the authors' perspective, public involvement and public‐private partnering for the deployment of next generation infrastructures in telecommunications will require an integrated policy approach. The appropriate policy mix includes instruments of innovation, information society development and new user empowerment.

Originality/value

This paper introduces a timely contribution to the debate on public support of next generation infrastructures in electronic communications.

Citation

Gómez‐Barroso, J. and Feijóo, C. (2009), "Policy tools for public involvement in the deployment of next generation communications", info, Vol. 11 No. 6, pp. 3-13. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636690910996687