Radio spectrum regulation as a matter of international affairs: discussing the effectiveness of the European Union at World Radiocommunication Conferences
Journal article, 2018

Purpose: This paper aims to discuss the effectiveness of the European Union (EU) at World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs) by comparing EU objectives prior to and outcomes of recent WRCs. Design/methodology/approach: A thematic analysis of qualitative data extracted from documents is conducted. The effectiveness of the EU is discussed by using the concepts of agenda-setting and coalition-building, borrowed from international relations literature. Findings: A clear conclusion on EU effectiveness could not be drawn based on the degree of match between EU objectives and WRC outcomes. Other factors need to be included in the analysis, such as relevance of the EU’s participation at WRCs to the EU member states and availability and allocation of EU resources to the various stages of the WRC process. Research limitations/implications: Further research is encouraged to investigate the role of the EU at WRCs. In particular, interviews with experts involved in the WRC process may help gather relevant information on EU relevance and EU resource availability and allocation. Originality/value: This paper contributes to existing research on international radio spectrum regulation by drawing attention to the role of the EU as an international actor.

ITU

Regulation

CEPT

Radiofrequencies

European Union

World Radiocommunication Conference

Author

Maria Massaro

Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Science, Technology and Society

Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance

23985038 (ISSN)

Vol. 20 5 373-398

Subject Categories

Globalization Studies

Social Sciences Interdisciplinary

Other Social Sciences not elsewhere specified

DOI

10.1108/DPRG-09-2017-0049

More information

Latest update

6/20/2023