Forming Policy Intellectuals in the Asia Pacific and Africa: Communication Policy Research South, 2006–2018

Abstract

Knowledgeable and motivated policy intellectuals are needed for effective information and communication technology policy and regulation. This article describes a Telecommunication Policy Research Conference (TPRC)–influenced conference and training program intended to develop such policy intellectuals in the Asia Pacific and Africa, which began in 2006 and ended in 2018. It was unique in emphasizing the development of junior scholars. Evidence of research and policy engagement from tracer surveys is presented. The causes of the brevity of CPRsouth’s existence are analyzed in relation to EuroCPR and TPRC using a model of knowledge network evolution, including the role of external “subsidies” and the mismatch between potential funders and the scope of the activity.