Defining and Measuring A2K: A Blueprint for an Index of Access to Knowledge

Abstract:     
Comparative indices are widely used in international development circles to benchmark and monitor public policy objectives. To date, however, no one has examined how an index of Access to Knowledge might be constructed. This article examines the methodological issues involved in such a project and provides a blueprint for the development of a robust and reliable A2K Index. For those new to the Access to Knowledge framework, this article also serves as a concrete and concise orientation to the ideological perspective rapidly reshaping the fields of international development, communications, technology, education, and intellectual property policy.

Keywords: access to knowledge, a2k, innovation, intellectual property, libraries, information, literacy, index, indices, measurement, technology, education, communications, knowledge economy, information society, ISP

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