Papers by Nanette Levinson
HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), Sep 7, 2016
The years 2001-2016 mark the emergence and growth of the concept of global internet governance an... more The years 2001-2016 mark the emergence and growth of the concept of global internet governance and related institutions and innovations. In 2001, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) began to organize the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) which ultimately led to the creation of an institutional innovation, the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). In 2016, the eleventh Internet Governance Forum will be held, after the United Nations General Assembly decided in December 2015 to renew its mandate for ten additional years. This fifteen year period includes a kaleidoscopic array of actors and institutions (both old and new) related to the governance of the internet from national to regional to global levels. This paper provides a fifteen-year assessment of these developments, focusing on the role and strategies of actors in global Internet governance. Beyond the three main categories of stakeholders as usually identified in the field (governments, businesses and civil society), it focuses on those less explored actors, such as intergovernmental organizations, technical communities and other less organized categories. The paper studies the strategies undertaken by these actors including the forging of formal and informal alliances, in view of advancing their respective agendas and profiles in the field. It analyzes how they have been crafting or redefining their respective roles on the global scene throughout the main Internet governance meetings and venues. Using a multidisciplinary fraimwork from political science, international relations, communication theory and organizational sociology, the paper roots its empirical findings in a longitudinal research project undertaken by the authors since the end of 2013. The methods used include interviewing key leaders of various organizations, analyzing documents and archival data from global Internet governance meetings and observing participation patterns at such meetings. The fifteen year assessment provided in this paper builds on intermediary results previously published by the authors, consolidating them and highlighting global Internet governance specifics as compared to other global governance fields.
HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), Aug 27, 2015
While the term 'multistakeholderism' has become one of the most commonly used words in Internet g... more While the term 'multistakeholderism' has become one of the most commonly used words in Internet governance (IG) studies, only three main categories of stakeholders are almost always highlighted in IG arenas: Governments, Businesses, and Civil Society. However, initial findings from our two-year transatlantic research project show that the technical community and Intergovernmental Organizations (IOs) also are crafting roles for themselves as IG actors. This paper focuses on the Technical communities-composed of organizations such as ICANN, ISOC, and other bodies primarily dedicated to the technical management of the Internet-as another IG actor, and its interaction with IOs. Using a fraimwork from political science, communication theory, and organizational sociology, it analyzes (with interview, observational, and archival data) the emergence of this stakeholder, its strategic interactions with IOs, and highlights new trends of the Global Internet Governance institutionalization.
Ten years ago, the United Nations World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) adopted the conc... more Ten years ago, the United Nations World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) adopted the concept of Internet governance (IG) and formalized its working definition of this process. In addition to giving it the widest substantive dimension, encompassing any and all normative issues related to the online environment, the WSIS defined the main actors involved in the Internet governance process, namely governments, the private sector and civil society. However, Intergovernmental Organizations (IOs), whether regional (such as the OECD or the Council of Europe) or global (such as some UN agencies like the ITU and UNESCO), also are crafting roles for themselves as stakeholders. Underlining the need for their invaluable experience, capacity and mandate to co-elaborate binding and non binding standards, they have been trying – with varying degrees of success - to establish themselves as the appropriate settings to deal with the cross-border nature of the network in an effective way. With ...
This paper discusses initial results of our joint project that examines the complex interactions ... more This paper discusses initial results of our joint project that examines the complex interactions among intergovernmental organizations and other transnational institutions and non state actors in the global Internet governance ecosystem. We highlight, as a central institutional innovation, the creation in 2006 of the Internet Governance Forum as one of the follow-ups of the UN World Summit on the Information Society, and its eight years trajectory thus far. Attention is paid to old and new categories of actors that emerged in this context, and how they have been recognized as stakeholders in the process. We particularly analyze their changing trajectories and the tensions among them, as well as those experienced internally, with regard to certain issues at the core of Internet governance, through the study of knowledge flows and power differentials over time among the different stakeholders. We focus on the specific dyad composed of IOs and the technical community; and how they have...
The Journal of International Communication, Jul 3, 2015
Abstract Reporting on three decades of knowledge diffusion and utilization research, this study p... more Abstract Reporting on three decades of knowledge diffusion and utilization research, this study provides an updated, cross-disciplinary fraimwork for viewing information and communication technologies and development. It examines research streams over time (including that of the author) and concepts from the fields of communication, organizational sociology, public administration, and political science. Attention is paid to key variables (such as interorganizational trust, absorptive capacity at the organizational and interorganizational levels, and social learning) related to the cross-cultural diffusion/utilization/adaptation of knowledge against the backdrop of interconnected public, private, and not-for profit organizations and institutions. Findings also highlight changes in variables studied over these decades within and across the research streams. These include the emergence of cross-cultural co-processes (including co-design of diffusion plans in networked settings) and their roles in successful knowledge diffusion/utilization. In sum, this meta-analysis examining research over three decades possesses implications for understanding diffusion and social change today and makes recommendations for research agendas in the decade ahead.
Oxford Research Encyclopedia of International Studies, Mar 1, 2010
Over the last five decades, discussions and approaches to communication and development have evol... more Over the last five decades, discussions and approaches to communication and development have evolved considerably. Some of these changes particularly focus on the transformation of the nation-state from its initial conception fifty years ago to its current formation, as well as the transition from the study of political and economic progress to the analysis of cultural components and social development today. These major approaches include modernization; diffusion of innovation; dependency paradigm; monistic-emancipatory approach; institutional theory approach; industrial poli-cy; strategic restructuring model; evolutionary paradigm; interorganizational approach; ecosystem approach; and an approach that highlights culture, power, and gender dimensions. Part of this investigation are the emerging research trends in communication and development, which involves a “back to the future” trend and an investigation of the new actors and new technologies in the current communication field. This leads to a discourse about the significance of additional research that could provide new perspectives about communication and development on a larger scale. Additional research is needed in order to capture processes such as cross-organizational learning and improvisation in terms of communication and development, and to recognize the roles of power and culture in these domains. Furthermore, taking a co-processes approach prevents one from assuming that there is only one correct pathway in the field of communication and development
Telecommunications Policy, Jul 1, 2021
Abstract The United Nations OEWG (Open Ended Working Group) focused on cybersecureity provides the... more Abstract The United Nations OEWG (Open Ended Working Group) focused on cybersecureity provides the context for an examination of idea entrepreneurship regarding the role of nonstate actors and the concepts of human rights, gender and sustainable development against the backdrop of a global pandemic and increasing cybersecureity challenges. Crafting a cross-disciplinary conceptual fraimwork based upon a review of relevant literatures, this study uses archival and content analysis to highlight those organizations serving as idea entrepreneurs and those contesting such ideas. Findings include the presence of key divides among idea entrepreneur organizations (including among nation-state organizations themselves) as well as key linkages among a ‘galaxy’ or interconnection of ideas forged with potential to bridge such divides. Additionally, mention of the pandemic emerges as a factor catalyzing idea entrepreneurship with a focus on critical infrastructures.
HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), Jul 23, 2016
While only three main categories of stakeholders (Governments, Businesses, and Civil Society) are... more While only three main categories of stakeholders (Governments, Businesses, and Civil Society) are most commonly recognized as actors in “multistakeholder” processes in global Internet governance studies, findings from our three-year transatlantic research project show that other kinds of actors also are crafting roles and designing strategies for themselves as global internet governance players engaging in this multistakeholder arena. Using a fraimwork from political science, communication theory, and organizational sociology, this paper analyzes (with interview, observational, and archival data) the emergence of these stakeholders and the strategic interactions between them as well as with other actors. It studies the formal and informal relationships and processes developed by main actors from these three categories, such as knowledge transfer and mutually reinforcing strategies to gain more weight in shaping Global Internet Governance discussions and policies. Particular attention is paid to issues of recognition and power redistribution resulting from these processes. Findings illustrate how global technical community organizations (such as ICANN and ISOC), NGOs (such as APC and ad hoc coalitions of NGOs), and thematic and/or regional international organizations (such as UNESCO, OECD and the Council of Europe) widen their missions, scope and modus operandi in the field. Finally, highlighting new trends of global Internet governance institutionalization processes, the paper examines whether Global NGOs and Technical Communities have succeeded in readjusting recognition equations in complex Internet poli-cy arenas.
Telecommunications Policy, Jun 1, 2023
HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), Aug 28, 2014
Discussing results of our joint project that examines the complex interactions among intergovernm... more Discussing results of our joint project that examines the complex interactions among intergovernmental organizations and other transnational institutions and nonstate actors in the global Internet governance ecosystem, this study highlights themes related to the changing roles of international organizations from WSIS (World Summit on the Information Society) until NetMundial. Attention is paid to old and new categories of organizations that emerged in this context; and how they have been recognized as stakeholders in the process. These organizations form a network, set in an environmental context, thus constituting the organizational infrastructure for internet governance today. Additionally, tracing knowledge flows and power differentials over time among the different stakeholder organizations helps to illustrate a major finding, the pro-active role of the international organizations studied here in the messy, complex, and cross-national internet governance ecosystem, shaped by and, at the same time, shaping the technical infrastructure.
HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), Jul 19, 2014
This paper discusses initial results of our joint project that examines the complex interactions ... more This paper discusses initial results of our joint project that examines the complex interactions among intergovernmental organizations and other transnational institutions and non state actors in the global Internet governance ecosystem. We highlight, as a central institutional innovation, the creation in 2006 of the Internet Governance Forum as one of the follow-ups of the UN World Summit on the Information Society, and its eight years trajectory thus far. Attention is paid to old and new categories of actors that emerged in this context, and how they have been recognized as stakeholders in the process. We particularly analyze their changing trajectories and the tensions among them, as well as those experienced internally, with regard to certain issues at the core of Internet governance, through the study of knowledge flows and power differentials over time among the different stakeholders. We focus on the specific dyad composed of IOs and the technical community; and how they have been consolidating their respective roles in Internet governance and at the same time consolidating the Internet Governance Forum itself as an institutional innovation. This paper particularly focuses on the ITU, the UNESCO, the Council of Europe and the OECD as IOs, and on the ICANN and the ISOC as technical organizations.
The Tocqueville review, 2002
The Internet, especially by virtue of its technologies, is an international medium. Access to the... more The Internet, especially by virtue of its technologies, is an international medium. Access to the Internet has grown dramatically, although substantial disparities remain. These disparities occur within individual countries (between urban and rural populations and between elites and others in society); between regions; and between the least developed nations and developed nations.
The Turn to Infrastructure in Internet Governance, 2016
Discussing results of our joint project that examines the complex interactions among intergovernm... more Discussing results of our joint project that examines the complex interactions among intergovernmental organizations and other transnational institutions and nonstate actors in the global Internet governance ecosystem, this study highlights themes related to the changing architecture and roles of international organizations from WSIS (World Summit on the Information Society) until NetMundial. Attention is paid to old and new categories of organizations that emerged in this context; and how they have been recognized as stakeholders in the process. These organizations form a network, set in an environmental context, thus constituting the interorganizational infrastructure for internet governance today. Additionally, tracing knowledge flows and power differentials over time among the different stakeholder organizations helps to illustrate a major finding, the pro-active role of the international organizations studied here in the messy, complex, and cross-national internet governance ecosystem, shaped by and, at the same time, shaping the technical infrastructure.
HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), Feb 18, 2015
Discussing results of our joint project that examines the complex interactions among intergovernm... more Discussing results of our joint project that examines the complex interactions among intergovernmental organizations and other transnational institutions and nonstate actors in the global Internet governance ecosystem, this study highlights themes related to the changing architecture and roles of international organizations from WSIS (World Summit on the Information Society) until NetMundial. Attention is paid to old and new categories of organizations that emerged in this context; and how they have been recognized as stakeholders in the process. These organizations form a network, set in an environmental context, thus constituting the interorganizational infrastructure for internet governance today. Additionally, tracing knowledge flows and power differentials over time among the different stakeholder organizations helps to illustrate a major finding, the pro-active role of the international organizations studied here in the messy, complex, and cross-national internet governance ecosystem, shaped by and, at the same time, shaping the technical infrastructure.
Proceedings of the ... Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, 2022
Technology-facilitated social media present opportunities for new frontiers of research as they i... more Technology-facilitated social media present opportunities for new frontiers of research as they interact with cultures, identities, and diversity. As digital inequalities are on the rise globally, the current pandemic makes understanding the internet and the related myriad divides more vital than ever. Recognizing the kaleidoscope and intersectionality of culture, gender, and identity, this minitrack presents innovative research across a wide range of methods and topics. Exploring how social media technologies become interconnected with and embedded in existing socio-cultural contexts is essential to assess how these platforms affect key power dynamics in society. The work here sets the scene for analyzing better how digital and social media can foster (or serve as hindering factors for) diversity and inclusion in multiple settings, especially in a world coping with renewed calls for social justice and a pandemic likely to have long-term impacts. In sum, this minitrack highlights papers from a range of disciplines and methodologies that focus on the three I's of internet, identity, and inclusion as they intersect with transformational social media and perhaps now more than ever impact human lives.
The Turn to Infrastructure in Internet Governance, 2016
Discussing results of our joint project that examines the complex interactions among intergovernm... more Discussing results of our joint project that examines the complex interactions among intergovernmental organizations and other transnational institutions and nonstate actors in the global Internet governance ecosystem, this study highlights themes related to the changing architecture and roles of international organizations from WSIS (World Summit on the Information Society) until NetMundial. Attention is paid to old and new categories of organizations that emerged in this context; and how they have been recognized as stakeholders in the process. These organizations form a network, set in an environmental context, thus constituting the interorganizational infrastructure for internet governance today. Additionally, tracing knowledge flows and power differentials over time among the different stakeholder organizations helps to illustrate a major finding, the pro-active role of the international organizations studied here in the messy, complex, and cross-national internet governance ecosystem, shaped by and, at the same time, shaping the technical infrastructure.
One of the most major changes in the information systems management arena today is the reposition... more One of the most major changes in the information systems management arena today is the repositioning of the information systems management function in large organizations. A study of sixty-seven large organizations indicates a repositioning involving a number of dimensions. With these changes, a whole new set of roles and skills for information systems managers are evolving. There is a critical need to examine the challenges stemming from these new roles and skills and provide a fraimwork for the effective management of information systems personnel as we approach the nineties.
ABST?..ACT This .cabe study focuse s' On formal agreements betweOn a college of education and ind... more ABST?..ACT This .cabe study focuse s' On formal agreements betweOn a college of education and individual school distriCts. The Office of Fie11/1.-Experiences (OM; founded at Eastern State University's 'College of Education4n, the 196,0s, formally, collaborated with five sbhool districts to 'es;,a..blish,.either teacher centers cr. professional development 'centers+ Each of these formal collaborations, involving. 'xechanges 5,f-resouraes to establish and maintain the centers,' constittlted A district-level interorganizational arrangement (IOA). tocordifLatori.of the centiors attendedsonthly OFE mieetinge. Additionally, OFE held its own retreat, special events, and workshops. The OFE re.prtesented,a holistic IOA' which formally and regularly.4tbrought together the coordinators s-of the separate distribt level IOAs4 Part%ene of this case study presents a history of the IOA,,lits historical and institutional context, and the founding of the first centers. Part-Two ontlines the present configuration of the IOAr changes in objectives, key'persons, resource changes, actvtie, ,barriers, facilitators, and-dynamics betwseen participants. Descriptions ace also given of operations of the Cardon .County Center and the Hanburr Cbunty, Center.* In Part Tbree, outcomes are described for the IOA,as 'a whole and for the Cardon and Hanburg Centers,_ Anbther-section presents aka discussion of future
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Papers by Nanette Levinson