The Global Web in Regional Politics: The Regulatory and Political Debate on Digitalisation and the Internet of Things

Abstract

The author analyses how aspects and processes associated with the digital transformation interfere with the governance and regulation of the emerging Industrial Internet and the Internet of Things. Building on the general argument that disruptive business models pose a threat to highly regulated industries, the author emphasises the differing regulatory approaches chosen by European and US policymakers. The author then stresses the importance of harmonised European policies. In order to fully unleash the potential associated with the digital transformation of industries, European digital economies will arguably depend on a common digital market because the current predominance of national initiatives tends to foster fragmentation of markets instead of pooling resources to enhance European competitiveness. The chapter concludes by providing corresponding guidelines on how public affairs and related issues are set to change in the light of digital transformation.