The Metaibrary is the only on-line research resource focusing exclusively on standards and standard setting. http://www.consortiuminfo.org/metalibrary/ Dynamic competitive forces are dramatically altering mobile markets in the U.S. and around the world. Wireless networks, having sunk considerable capital in the creation of phone systems, must not only compete among themselves for subscribers, but also need to form strategic alliances with emerging handset application platforms (HAPs) created by such firms as Research in Motion (Blackberry), Apple (iPhone), and Google (Android). Current developments illustrate two fundamental aspects of innovation. First, that innovations created by one set of investors may generate returns for complementary suppliers, either via coordinated activity (strategic platforms) or competitive rivalry (appropriation). Second, that the efficiency of such ecosystems may be enhanced by market structure innovations that either extend vertical control or delimit it. This runs counter to the prevailing popular and regulatory sentiment that “open” platforms offer categorically superior welfare outcomes than do “closed” systems – aka “walled gardens". http://www.consortiuminfo.org/metalibrary/ This report addresses the problem how governments should deal with competing standards, that is, two or more functionally equivalent standards, in the context of public IT-procurement. The focus is on (open) committee standards. The research questions are In the context of public IT procurement, should governments choose between standards that have the same functionality? If so, what factors should be taken into consideration? The study has been funded with research grants from the Dutch Standardisation Forum, a forum involved in drawing up lists of selected ICT-standards for government organisations, and the Open Forum Academy, a platform for stimulating research and discussion on open standards and interoperability. This report aims to contribute towards discussion about competing standards and help those concerned with public IT procurement and procurement policy account for their decision(s). To this end it synthesizes scientific literature from different disciplines, in particular, economic, innovation and technology management studies. It interrelates the partly disparate themes of market impact of standards, standards wars, standards dynamics and converter solutions. http://www.consortiuminfo.org/metalibrary/ The U.S. Department of Commerce reports that standards and conformity assessment impact more than 80% of global commodity trade. From design and manufacturing to distribution and marketing, all traded products and services are affected at some point in the supply chain by standardization. Today’s business climate is global in nature and scope, and the U.S. standardization system has evolved rapidly to keep pace with the demands of the marketplace. In this white paper, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) offers some perspectives from the U.S. private sector on key issues affecting global standards and conformance – today and tomorrow. http://www.consortiuminfo.org/metalibrary/ This article investigates some key problems surrounding copyright in standards. It surveys two ex ante approaches, namely the management of the underlying intellectual property rights during a standard’s development stage, and creating an exemption that is incorporated in legislation, and that provides for a compulsory licence. I further suggest an ex post notice, or opt-in approach, for copyright owners, to resolve the uncertainty around when copyright permission should be sought by users. http://www.consortiuminfo.org/metalibrary/ A central purview of Internet governance is the development of Internet technical protocols, the standards that enable interoperability between diverse technologies and cultures. Standards are a form of technological rulemaking with public interest implications in areas such as public safety, national security, electronic medical records, eGovernment, individual privacy, and political and artistic expression. From an economic standpoint, the openness and intellectual property arrangements of technical standards can determine the extent of competition, trade, and innovation in technology markets. Universal and open technical standards have been identified as a precursor to the affordable and equitable diffusion of information and communication technologies around the globe. However, the institutional processes, technical and legal infrastructures, and underlying intellectual property arrangements of standards do not always create an opening to reflect the interests of developing countries. This paper examines ways in which the degree of openness in standards has pronounced implications for developing countries and beyond and concludes with recommendations for promoting open standards through institutional processes, intellectual property arrangements, and government procurement policies. http://www.consortiuminfo.org/metalibrary/