Using ICT Research to Assist Policy Making and Regulation: The Case of Namibia

4th Communication Policy Research, South Conference, Negombo, Sri Lanka

14 Pages Posted: 17 Feb 2010

See all articles by Christoph Stork

Christoph Stork

Research ICT Solutions

Tony Vetter

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Date Written: December 8, 2009

Abstract

This paper examines three barriers to effective policy-making and regulation in developing countries: inefficient operators; information asymmetry between regulator and operators; and where the role of the regulator to balance the interests of consumers, competing enterprises and investors is not being fulfilled. The paper demonstrates how ICT research of Research ICT Africa in combination with multiple communication strategies have been used to assist regulators and policy makers in making informed decisions and led to market liberalization and legislative and regulatory reform in Namibia. A presentation on research results to the Namibian president and cabinet in 2006, private sector co-funding of research projects, over 80 newspaper articles covering research results, 21 magazine articles, six target policy briefs, radio and TV interviews, face to face consultations all helped shaping public opinion and informing policy makers and regulators. This paper describes how ICT research was translated into useful information and advice for policy makers and regulators by working with journalists, providing strategic information to the private sector, researching issues for the regulator and maintaining impartiality.

Keywords: Indicators, Policy, Reforms, Regulation, Sustainable Development, Telecommunication Services

Suggested Citation

Stork, Christoph and Vetter, Tony, Using ICT Research to Assist Policy Making and Regulation: The Case of Namibia (December 8, 2009). 4th Communication Policy Research, South Conference, Negombo, Sri Lanka, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1553666 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1553666

Christoph Stork (Contact Author)

Research ICT Solutions ( email )

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Cape Town, Western Cape 7441
South Africa
+27849990002 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.researchictsolutions.com

Tony Vetter

affiliation not provided to SSRN

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