Techno-Economics in Communications and Media: Looking Ahead into Selected Key Aspects

Abstract

The goal of the COST Action IS0605 “Econ@Tel” is to develop a strategic research in the crossdisciplinary field of Telecommunication Economics. This includes a multitude of different dimensions, which include: (a) a training network among key people/organizations in order to enhance Europe’s competence in the field of telecommunications and media economics, (b) the support of related research and development initiatives, and (c) the provisioning of guidelines and recommendations to European players (end-users, enterprises, operators, regulators, policy makers, content providers) for the new converged broadband, wireless, content delivery networks to citizens and enterprises. COST IS605 and its partner countries’ coordinates partially the development of research methodologies as well tools from engineering, media, and business research. Regulatory issues helping or hindering the adoption of economically efficient services are identified. Thus, COST IS605 mobilizes the “critical mass” and diversity of economists, business research experts, engineers, networking experts, and scientists working in communications and content economics. Thus, this white paper presents a selected collection of dedicated views of 22 action members from 11 countries in terms of key future aspects at stake identified as such over the years 2008 to 2009 for the benefit of the European players. It also sometimes identifies disruptive research directions for future work. It does not, therefore, constitute a state of the art in telecommunications techno-economics, as usually these players will be familiar with current aspects. Furthermore, it does not claim to be fully exhaustive, but addresses many areas in those COST IS605 goals as stated above.

Keywords: telecommunication economics, telecommunications, media, communications technology

JEL Classification: L96, L1, L2, L5, L63, L82, L86, M2, O3, Q2