Las políticas públicas para la sociedad de la información en Aragón

Abstract

The research is based on the process of the global development of the so-called information society. The study of this phenomena focuses on the analyses of the dynamics that accompany it, as well as the ways and degrees of diffusion in the whole of different societies. This study observes how public policies are developed that promote the information society, especially on a local level. The different methods developed to study their penetration are also analyzed. In order to study this question in depth the quantitative methodology was chosen based on the development of the Localcom index. This index, made up of 24 indicators, transfers the international analysis systems to a local level; and also qualitative methodology through interviews and case analysis. The initial situation of the Autonomous Region of Aragón is analyzed at the beginning of the study and characterizes the territory, the economy, the society and the political organization of said region. The information society penetration is also observed at the starting point and elements are specified which made up important entry and expansion barriers. The methodology was applied to obtain a general outlook of the situation over the last years of the progress of public policy for the development of information on a European and Spanish level as an application framework of the policies of the Aragonese situation and which condition any attempt of public intervention in the matter. The Spanish framework is completed with an analysis of the public policy models of the information society contributed by different Autonomous regions, particularly those that obtain better indicators or whose demographical, economical or geographical characteristics are related to the case study The Localcom index between 2007 and 2013 serves to check the evolution of the results of policies aimed at enhancing the information society as a whole and in each community. In the Aragonese situation and improvement in its relative positions is observed and also absolute positions until 2011, and a certain standstill from then on. In Spain there is also a notable influence of the economic crisis, which provokes a decrease in some sub-indexes and in the general Localcom index. The study of the regulations and the public planning in the scope of the information society in Aragon is to specify all of the steps taken since 1999 in the main institutions. The Aragonese model of policies to enhance the information society is completed with the analysis of five cases that allowed for studying transversal policies in the entire Autonomous region (education and digital terrestrial television), as well as realities on a local level (Digital Provincial Government, Digital Teruel and the Zaragoza Citizen Card). The work allows for responding to ten big questions that started the research and that became four working hypothesis. The current thesis proves that it is possible to build a conceptual model capable of explaining cultural, technological, economic and social circumstances that improve or slow down the development of the Information Society in a specific territory. It is also possible to develop and consolidate a statistical index to analyze the impact that spreading communication and information technologies has on a local area. Finally, practical applications are provided which can serve as recommendations or guidelines for future plans in this area.

Date of Award	18 Dec 2014
Original language	Spanish
Supervisor	Fernando Sabes Turmo (Director)