The Role of Internet for Globalisation

Globalisation is often portrayed in the language of economics. Explanations of global economic integration in the last decades – a period when economic integration has been stronger than ever in economic history – often point to the increased use of comparative advantages.

This is correct, but it is not the whole truth. Globalisation is as much driven by technological development and other enablers of closer integration. Earlier industrial eras of rapid globalisation were strongly associated with technological developments that lowered the cost of trade – the transaction costs. Today’s globalisation is no different: new technological developments are driving globalisation. Many may think of it differently, but the rapid economic integration of today has been midwifed by innovations and technological developments such as the internet and new internet services.

 You are cordially welcome to a seminar on the role of internet for globalisation. The seminar will be based on a new ECIPE studies examining policies that enable a stronger effect of internet services on globalisation – and it will feature key experts and opinion formers on globalisation and regulatory policy. We have invited experts from the European Commission and from consumer organisations to participate in the panel

Programme

10:00   Introduction                                                                                                             

Roderick Abbott, former Deputy Director General of the World Trade Organisation and the European Commission

10:10  Internet as a driver of globalisation                           

Fredrik Erixon, Director, ECIPE

10:25  Benchmarking internet policies                                    

Gernot Pehnelt, Research Associate, ECIPE

10:40   Panel discussion with:                           

Charles E. Crouch, expert on E-commerce, Boston University

Cornelia Kutterer, Senior Legal Advisor, BEUC The European Consumers’ Organisation

Ewa Synowiec, Director, DG Trade, European Commission

12:00  End

RSVP by December 4 to [email protected]