Hernan Galperin
This paper examines the theoretical assumptions generally used in communication
and information policy studies, and suggests that more attention to the institutional
determinants of public policies is needed. The first part discusses three alternative
theoretical approaches: the interest group approach, the ideological approach,
and the technology-centered approach. The second part outlines the conceptual
tools of the new institutionalism approach and discusses its application for
the study of regime change in telecoms and media. The third part presents an
abbreviated example of such application to the case of US spectrum policies
and the licensing of digital broadcasting. The conclusion suggests new directions
for research aimed at broadening the set of social actors participating in the
global governance of new technologies.