Complex Network Perspective on Collaboration in the ICT Standardization

Abstract

Standardization is a crucial enabler of global business of Information and Communications Technologies. Convergence of the underlying networking paradigms of licensed Mobile Communication and license exempted Internet has made progress but full integration is still far from being complete. For standardization professionals the unpredictable convergence makes decision-making and participation in standardization complicated. This study examines collaboration in five closely related standardization organizations working in this field during the years from 2003 to 2008. The results show similarities and differences in collaboration structures and behaviours reflecting the specific scope and context of each standardization organization. Furthermore, this study extends the use of social network analysis as a tool to the field of empirical standardization research. The results pave the way to better collaboration in standardization communities of converging Mobile Internet and beyond by providing better visibility and new insights to standardization leaders, policy makers and users.