Business outlines its vision for Future of the Internet at OECD Ministerial conference

Business stresses the needed policy framework conditions and stakeholder consultation that are required to foster greater economic growth, communication, and understanding across all societies

Seoul, 16 June 2008 – The Business and Industry Advisory Committee (BIAC) to the OECD said today that it looks forward to working more closely with governments and other stakeholders in order to realise its vision for the future of the Internet as an essential platform for the global economy and society.

“Business envisages an Internet that is global in scope, inclusive by design, and secure, reliable and capable of serving users who are increasingly on the move,” says Mr. Tadahiro Asami, BIAC Secretary General.

Speaking at the Business Stakeholders’ Meeting to the OECD Ministerial Meeting on the Future of the Internet Economy, Mr. Asami described the road to 2018 as built upon convergence, creativity and confidence that will foster growth, investment and innovation for the benefit of Internet users and society throughout the Internet ecosystem.  “For our vision to be realized, certain framework conditions, including support for innovation and investment, a focus on privacy and security and market-driven standards must be established. Private sector input is vital to informing governments about underlying technologies and evolving market dynamics of the Internet. These must be thoroughly understood before appropriate and effective policy decision can be taken.”

“Underlying new Information communication technologies (ICT)- driven growth are five “i”s that power today’s global economy: Information, Infrastructure, Intellectual capital, Investment, and Innovation,” added Mr. Joseph Alhadeff, Vice President Global Public Policy at Oracle, and Chairman of the BIAC Committee on Information, Computer and Communications Policy (ICCP). “

BIAC recognises that to achieve this vision of the future, challenges must be overcome and the benefits of the Internet and the global economy must be realised more broadly across developed and less developed economies alike. Business is confident that the OECD Seoul Ministerial will place us on the road to collectively addressing these challenges and enabling all of us to make the most of the opportunities ahead.

The full text of BIAC’s Business Vision Paper can be downloaded here from the BIAC website (www.biac.org). Further information about the Business Stakeholders’ Meeting can be found here.

For more information about BIAC, contact Communications Manager Mark Primmer at the BIAC Secretariat.