Ecologies of Representation: Knowledge, Networks, & Innovation in Internet Governance

Abstract

Arguing that an ecological or ecosystem view is vital for understanding the complex and messy global policy space for internet governance, this paper provides a model and raises issues regarding “representation’ in this policy space. It examines questions of informal (non-electoral) representation and raises questions about representation in internet governance. With a focus on the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), it discusses multistakeholderism (and representation issues) in one portion of the internet governance ecosystem and highlights innovation as it relates to multistakeholder settings. Finally, it highlights the possible roles and advantages of co-processes in such settings.

Keywords: Internet Governance, Representation, Innovation, Knowledge Transfer, Networks