Content & Learning outcome:
This module is designed to equip participants with theoretical, analytical and factual knowledge and expertise needed to understand and navigate the political, societal and legal environments in which digital entrepreneurs operate. In particular, it provides an overview of the emerging field of public policy and public law known as “internet policy”. In doing so, it helps participants to acquire necessary analytical and applicable tools to formulate appropriate responses to a diverse range of salient shaping factors (including the regulation of the digital world at national and inter/supra-national levels, changing cultural values and attitudes towards digitalization or the role of the public sector in providing technical infrastructure and / or computer and internet literacy for citizens) that constitute both opportunities and constraints for corporate leaders in the digital industry.
The content of this module falls into three broadly defined and partially overlapping categories: (1) the governance and regulation of the internet – nationally and internationally, (2) the politics of the Web and Web-based services (including contested issues such as privacy, property rights, and internet security), (3) the impact of digital media on politics (including eGovernment, and Open Government). These questions are cross-cutting through academic disciplines and will be pursued from legal, political science driven and public management perspectives.
After completion of this module, participants will be able to understand the regulatory framework that governs the Web and internet-based services; to analyze how public policy decisions with regard to digital businesses are reached, and to recognize how societal and cultural factors impact on business decisions in the digital industry.