Responsibility in the Global Information Society: Towards Multi-Stakeholder Governance

Posted: 25 Jul 2015

See all articles by Jonathan Cave

Jonathan Cave

University of Warwick

Christopher Marsden

Monash University - Faculty of Law; Monash University, Faculty of Law

Lisa Klautzer

RAND Corporation - RAND Europe

Ruth Levitt

Queen Mary, University of London

Constantijn van Oranje

European Union - European Commission

Lila Rabinovich

Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR)

Neil Robinson

RAND Corporation - RAND Europe

Date Written: March 5, 2007

Abstract

In a world where information and communication technologies (ICT) are fast becoming ubiquitous and indispensable, the ICT industry has a crucial enabling role in social, economic and human development. Deploying ICT triggers changes in behaviour and governance. This has two effects: it magnifies collective problems, and it also creates the infrastructure for effective collective action to address the problems. The inability of national governments to regulate much of the Global Information Society increases the importance of cooperation in finding solutions. More legitimate and inclusive corporate involvement is desired than simply classic ICT industry self-regulation through, for instance, standard setting. This novel approach to corporate involvement is described as ‘multi-stakeholder governance.’ It means that roles and responsibilities in the global and highly dynamic environment enabled by ICT can be allocated on a temporary and contingent basis, according to inclusive and non-hierarchical relationships. This is not new. Roles have often shifted among governments, corporations and civil society. But a novel and fascinating attempt to achieve real global dialogue around responsibilities in the Global Information Society is developing, and may become a significant new governance paradigm. The report, which was prepared for British Telecommunication’s annual Hot Topic Series, assesses the ICT sector’s responsibilities, and identifies the kind of actions that can be taken through a ‘multi-stakeholder governance’ approach, to respond adequately to the challenges.

Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, Internet, regulation, multistakeholder, governance

Suggested Citation

Cave, Jonathan and Marsden, Christopher T. and Klautzer, Lisa and Levitt, Ruth and van Oranje, Constantijn and Rabinovich, Lila and Robinson, Neil, Responsibility in the Global Information Society: Towards Multi-Stakeholder Governance (March 5, 2007). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2142027

Jonathan Cave (Contact Author)

University of Warwick ( email )

Gibbet Hill Rd.
Coventry, West Midlands CV4 8UW
United Kingdom

Christopher T. Marsden

Monash University - Faculty of Law ( email )

Wellington Road
Clayton, Victoria 3800
Australia

Monash University, Faculty of Law ( email )

15 Imparo Ancora Way
Clayton, VIC 3800
Australia

Lisa Klautzer

RAND Corporation - RAND Europe ( email )

United States

Ruth Levitt

Queen Mary, University of London ( email )

Mile End Road
London, London E1 4NS
United Kingdom

Constantijn Van Oranje

European Union - European Commission ( email )

Rue de la Loi 200
Brussels, B-1049
Belgium

Lila Rabinovich

Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR) ( email )

635 Downey Way
Los Angeles, CA 90089-3332
United States

Neil Robinson

RAND Corporation - RAND Europe ( email )

United States

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