Leslie Harris will participate in an OECD panel on Policy making principles for an open Internet

This session will discuss how the Internet has led to innovation and growth and what key policy areas may still require consideration.  A crucial factor in the success of the Internet has been decentralised multi-stakeholder frameworks and open access.  Open access has helped in developing a range of new businesses and applications, enhanced consumer choice and is important in the dissemination and wider use of scientific research results.  Internet based open social networks have increased the effectiveness of knowledge networks.   The Internet has lowered market entry barriers and facilitated the rapid development of new small and medium enterprises and the development of cloud computing is providing further benefits to business.  As mobile broadband develops and in some countries overtakes fixed broadband access, policy-makers should factor this in to their policy approaches. General principles that policy-makers can follow while addressing Internet policy issues can help set the framework for an open Internet.  They also can be useful in providing guideposts to private companies and governments when they consider taking initiatives with respect to access to information, its distribution, preservation, portability and the use of platforms and networks. These include infrastructure and connectivity, the role of intermediaries, the appropriate role of government and of business to support innovation and growth, and to maintain an open Internet environment at the international level and the free flow of information.