Unpacking 3gpp Standards

Abstract

This paper describes a new database with detailed information on standardization procedures at the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). 3GPP is the most relevant standard‐setting organization (SSO) in the field of mobile telecommunications. Empirical research on technology standards and SSOs has so far been limited by the scarcity of available data. The present database contains information on membership, meeting attendance, chairmanship, work items, contributions, and votes at 3GPP. These data shed light on the technical complexity of standard development and illustrate the importance of voluntary contributions from SSO members. The data allow addressing important policy questions regarding the regulation of voluntary SSOs and the role of standard‐essential patents in standardization.

Keywords: innovation, mobile telecommunications, standard‐setting organizations, technology standards

JEL Classification: L15, L96, Y10