What is digitalization policy? Domain(s), drivers and a definition from a policy integration perspective

Mario Angst

No xykej, SocArXiv from Center for Open Science

Abstract: This essay provides an answer to the question ``What is digitalization policy?'', through the lens of policy integration. To do so, I introduce a core distinction between naive and encompassing understandings of digitalization policy. Then, I posit that digitalization policy does not have a singular policy domain but rather distributed impacts across different policy domains. Digitalization policy is therefore always policy integration. Combining this assertion with an encompassing understanding of digitalization policy, I arrive at a modern definition of digitalization policy as any policy that targets the direct regulation of digital communication and digital infrastructure, in conjunction with the impact of such regulation on any affected policy domain(s). From this perspective, I argue that drivers of digitalization policy can be found in established groups of drivers of policy integration, based on institutions, interests or ideas. The essay suggests a blueprint for constructively approaching research on policy related to digitalization. It concludes with an illustrative application of the blueprint to an empirical example of a digitalization policymaking process in Switzerland, a policy sprint on the contribution of artificial intelligence to sustainability.

Date: 2024-08-09
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-pay
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:osf:socarx:xykej

DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/xykej

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