Interoperability in Information Systems in the Furtherance of Trade

John G. Palfrey, Jr., Harvard Law School, and Urs Gasser, Harvard University - Berkman Center for Internet & Society ; University of St. Gallen

6/11/2014
(Original Publish Date: 6/1/2012)

This is one of three in-depth exploratory studies, which aim to gain a deeper understanding of the role that interoperability plays as an enabler of innovation and creativity in international trade. Each study explores the various institutions, policies and approaches that shape the interoperability landscape and investigates the effects of these factors and drivers on trade in the globalized economy. In this series, we examine: (i) to what extent and how interoperability has contributed to the promotion of international trade; (ii) what respective roles international organizations have played in concert with other stakeholders with regard to interoperability and international trade; (iii) what policies and approaches to supporting interoperability have been used, and with what results; and (iv) what can be learned from these experiences with regard to emerging interoperability issues in the context of international trade.