Centre for Advanced Communications Policy at the Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
The Centre for Advanced Communications Policy (CACP) focuses on policy issues related to cutting edge technologies. Through its research initiatives, and domestic and international programs CACP engages in advanced communications and technology policy activities to increase Georgia’s global contributions in areas such as information and communications technology (ICT) policy, horizon scanning of significant public sector activities, and critical research into accessible technology for vulnerable populations. CACP initiatives leverage the knowledge and resources of government, industry and the research universities of the Georgia Research Alliance. CACP operates as a neutral authority, monitoring and assessing related legislative and regulatory issues, identifying future and emerging technologies, and promoting a clearer understanding of the ever changing technology landscape.
CACP undertakes a wide range of programmatic activities including conference and paper presentations, institutional and sponsored research, and a publication series with an emphasis on "critical importance" research. CACP is the recipient of a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research which established a Rehabilitation and Engineering Research Center (RERC) on mobile wireless technologies for persons with disabilities.
CACP collaborates with key stakeholders including industry leaders, leading research centers, legislative and regulatory bodies, and nonprofits to address a wide range of advanced communications research agendas and related technology applications, particularly in the wireless and new technology arenas. These activities result in timely reports, advisories, published research filings before municipal, state, regional, national and international authorities. Internationally CACP collaborates with the European Union Center of the University System of Georgia, British Computer Society, Wireless IT Specialist Group, and the European Commission - Information Society Directorate, among others.
CACP, formerly known as the Office of Technology Policy and Programs (OTP), expanded from an office to become one of the newest centers at the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2006. CACP executive director, Helena Mitchell is excited by the new status noting that, “President Clough had the foresight years ago to recognize the importance of technology policy within an engineering environment. OTP was a good beginning, so good in fact, that a wide variety of entities within the city of Atlanta, the State of Georgia, and national and international policy fields seek us as a neutral authority on technology policy issues.”
The CACP academic home is within the School of Public Policy (SPP) of the Ivan Allen College (IAC). Dean Sue Rosser welcomed CACP to the IAC family stating, “This creates a natural synergy between faculty and the study of public policy, economics, technology, communications, and international affairs.” Chair of SPP Diana Hicks added, “We are glad to have the CACP as it offers another opportunity for our students to work on timely and important technology and advanced communications policy research.”
The new physical home address is 500 10th Street, 3rd floor.
Visit the CACP website www.cacp.gatech.edu for updates and to learn more about its varied policy activities.