The emerging Internet governance mosaic: connecting the pieces

The Oxford Internet Institute (OII) has become a leading world centre for the multidisciplinary study of the Internet and society. Its distinctive focus is to understand the social dynamics shaping, and being shaped by, the Internet. The Institute is particularly interested in studying the choices people make about the design, use and regulation of information and communication technologies (ICTs). These ʻdigital choicesʼ are reconfiguring access to people, services, information and technologies; and thereby their relative communicative power in the production, consumption, use and governance of content, services and technology. Linking research to policy and practice The OIIʼs aim is not only to conduct teaching and academic research of the highest quality, but also to influence policy and practice around the world to help people enrich their lives and communities through the effective use of ICTs. To achieve this, it has enthusiastically taken forward the broad conception of the Internet articulated by its initial sponsors: The Shirley Foundation, the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the University of Oxford. This defines the Internet broadly as a worldwide, intertwined web of co-evolving people, social structures and technology. Forum Discussion Papers OII Forum Discussion Papers are based on Forums in which an invited group of international experts representing diverse government, industry and academic views discuss a topic central to the impact of the Internet on society. They differ from more traditional summaries of research findings or reports on events because they are informed both by broad research sources and the relevant knowledge and practical experience of Forum participants. The opinions expressed in OII Forum Discussion Papers are those of the participants and author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oxford Internet Institute or the University of Oxford. Should you require hard copies of any OII publications, these are priced at £5.00 each, including postage & packing. Orders for multiple copies for educational purposes can be arranged at a discounted fee (prices on application to [email protected]). Please do not send cash. Cheques should be drawn on a UK bank in Pounds Sterling and made payable to ʻUniversity of Oxfordʼ. For bank transfer details please contact Foreword An international forum entitled The Struggle Over Internet Governance: Searching for Common Ground was held at the University of Oxford on 5–6 May 2005. It brought together a group of knowledgeable and experienced participants, encompassing a broad range of perspectives, to explore key questions relating …