IGF 2014

The “digital economy”, based on the Internet, allows large or small businesses to have a global reach, to virtualize their processes, to mobilize their employees and business associates, and to drive velocity into their efforts. We need to consider the co-dependent relationship of globalization and the Internet, as a driver of future models of governance, economics and trade.

The workshop’s goal is to offer best practices by which we can advance new “global visions” for bringing economic growth and societal benefit through the “digital economy”.

Panelists, drawing on case studies, will explore the workshop’s subject:

- Innovation: Globalization based on the Internet, with its focus on dispersed production and value-chains, and consequent interdependence between countries, has created potential for new visions for innovation with significant implications for trade and investment.
- The Potential for economic growth and development: ICTs have increased globalization and enhanced the flows of human capital across borders, international communication has increased, all making possible a greater participation of emerging country citizens in the global economy.
- Governance policies impact on globalization: Government measures that limit globalization or that require “localization” should be examined for their impact on global trade and investment in the “digital economy.”
- The role of private sector stakeholders in globalization: Examine the vital role of the private sector, arising from private sector competition, investment, and diffusion of ICTs in fostering the benefits of globalization.

Agenda:

1. Free Flow of Data and Information for Fostering Innovation and Economic Growth
- Ross LaJeunesse, Head of International Policy, Google

2. Overcoming Contradictory tendencies in the “Digital Economy” with a Focus on Developing- Country Enterprises
- Dr. Rohan Samarajiva, Chair, LIRNEasia, Colombo, Sri Lanka

3. How Innovation in Emerging Countries Contribute to further Economic Growth and Social Development
- Minister Diego Molano Vega, Bogota, Colombia

4. Recent Policy and Regulatory Developments in the Termination of International Communication Traffic
- Sam Paltridge, OECD, Paris France

5. Current Cases concerning Required Localization of Networks and Data Storage and their Consequences for Trade Law
- Dr. John Selby, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia

6. Impact of Changing Market and Technology Realities on Current and Future Trade Negotiations and Internet Policies
- Jacqueline Ruff, Vice President, Verizon Corporation, Washington, DC

7. Limits and Potential for a New Vision of Globalization based on the Evolving Multistakeholder Model
- Subi Chaturvedi, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India

8. As we Pursue Policy Goals of Investment, Competition and Innovation in Global Markets are Legacy Regulatory Models in Alignment with Market Facts?
- Eric Loeb, Vice President, AT&T Corporation

Substantive Rapporteur: Jessica Jones, Government Relations Manager, BT America