Impact Assessments

Members of the e-Conomics network have extensive experience with economic impact assessments. For example, founding member Nicolai van Gorp has managed several economic impact assessment studies for the European Commission. Also other members, such as Wolter Lemstra, Paul de Bijl, and Kristian Billeskov, have extensive experience with impact assessment studies.

We work together with international firms such Ecorys or Kantar Public on policy evaluations and impact assessments.

Below we provide some examples.

Steps towards an internal market for e-Communications (2011)

In 2011, Ecorys did an economic impact assessment study for the European Commission on the barriers to the digital single market. The research is an important reference document for the Digital Agenda in Europe. Most importantly, the report provides the analytical foundation for the Commission’s Impact Assessment of the Single Telecom Market Regulation (Connected Continent). As senior economist at Ecorys, Nicolai van Gorp was project manager and main author of this study. In addition, other members of the e-Conomics Network that that have contributed are Wolter Lemstra and Paul de Bijl.

Future electronic communications markets subject to ex-ante regulation (European Commission, 2013)

In 2013, Ecorys did a study and economic impact assessment for the European Commission on the 2014 Recommendation on Relevant Markets. The research and its conclusions were fully reflected in the Commission’s Recommendation on Relevant Market. As senior economist at Ecorys, Nicolai van Gorp was project manager and one of three main authors of the report (together with Jonas Rosenstok and Jim Niblett). In addition, other members of the e-Conomics Network that have contributed are Wolter Lemstra and Paul de Bijl.

Study on future trends and business models in communication services (2016)

In 2016, e-Conomics and Ecorys (together with TNO, KU Leuven and Gartner) did a study on future trends and business models in communication services. The study investigates competitive pressures telecom operators experience from internet-based communication services. Furthermore, it assesses the possibilities for traditional telecom providers to offer new online services or develop new revenue models. One of the main conclusions is that asymmetric rules on privacy and data protection hinder traditional telecom operators in developing new revenue models. This asymmetric treatment seems difficult to justify. The study formed an important input for the impact assessment of the review of the regulatory framework for electronic communication services (see here). Nicolai van Gorp was one of main authors of the report. In addition, other members of the e-Conomics Network that have contributed are Inge Graef and Kristian Billeskov.

Support for Impact Assessment of the review of the regulatory framework for electronic communications (2016)

In 2016, e-Conomics and Ecorys (together with WIK and VVA) provided support for the preparation of the impact assessment accompanying the review of the regulatory framework for e-communications. This project supported the review of the EU framework for electronic communications. It described the evolution of the sector since the adoption of the framework in 2002 and its review in 2009. In addition, the study outlined problems associated with the existing regime and identified objectives for the future. Finally, study assessed various options for revising the framework. Nicolai van Gorp was deputy project manager and one of three main authors of the report (together with Ilsa Godlovitch and Pierre Hausemer). In addition, other members of the e-Conomics Network that have contributed are Olga Batura and Wolter Lemstra.

Impact

Members of the e-Conomics Network have contributed to some major European policies regarding the regulation of telecom and digital markets, For example: the Connected Continent Regulation, the 2014 Recommendation on Relevant Markets, and recent European Electronic Communications Code