Key Issues
Innovation
The Internet has spurred innovation in an unprecedented way. Whether it is in the areas of technological change, social networking, content generation, economic development, or delivery of services — to mention just a few — the Internet continues to allow and encourage users to innovate in ways only limited by their imagination.
Concepts and questions
Why does ISOC consider innovation to be such an important issue?
The Internet Society recognises the importance of innovation when it envisions a future in which "people in all parts of the world can use the Internet to improve their quality of life because standards, technologies, business practices, and government policies sustain an open and universally accessible platform for innovation, creativity, and economic opportunity". The importance of innovation is also reflected in the Society's core values, and in particular the recognition that "the genius of the Internet is that its decentralised architecture maximises individual users' power to choose (or create) and use the hardware, software, and services that best meet their needs, and if the Internet is to continue to be a platform for innovation and creativity, its open, decentralised nature must be preserved".
For some examples and discussion of areas where Internet innovation can improve human development, see:
