Student case study writing competition: Innovative multistakeholder governance groups

The Berkman Center for Internet & Society is excited to announce a writing competition to identify innovative multistakeholder governance groups and help us understand the conditions under which they are most effective. We are seeking original papers (8 to 12 pages, single spaced) that help us better understand innovative, globally diverse governance groups. The deadline is September 15, 2015.

Although “multistakeholder governance” has many meanings, at its core it encompasses a variety of decision-making approaches that incorporate representatives from multiple groups in discussions and the formation of outcomes. ICANN and NETmundial are some of the most prominent examples that come to mind, but multistakeholder governance has a rich and complex history, with many diverse and interesting examples within but also far beyond the realm of Internet governance. This competition is an opportunity for students and postdoctoral scholars to help expand our understanding of multistakeholder governance groups.

The Berkman Center, in collaboration with the Global Network of Interdisciplinary Internet & Society Research Centers (NoC), recently examined twelve diverse examples of multistakeholder governance groups. Through this writing competition, we are seeking submissions that will add to this list and help us help us explore other globally diverse and unique real-world examples. From the submitted case studies, we will select the top three. First place will receive a cash stipend of $4000; second place will receive $3000; and third place will receive $2000. Additional awards for honorable mention may be given at the discretion of the Berkman Center.

For more information, read the full announcement.