Paul M.A. Baker holds the rank of Senior Research Scientist with the Georgia Institute of Technology, and is the Project Director of Policy Initiatives for both the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) on Mobile Wireless Technologies, and the Workplace Accommodations RERC. He is also an Adjunct Professor with the School of Public Policy at Georgia Institute of Technology. He has taught courses in the areas of political science, disability policy, public administration, information policy, and state and local government policymaking. He is currently researching the role of policy in advancing technology and universal accessibility goals for persons with disabilities; and institutional issues involved in public sector information policy development and state and local government use of information and communication technologies (ICT’s).

For further information: email: paul[dot]baker[at]gatech[dot]edu

Virtualities Group  [VGT]
VGT focuses on assessment, implementation, evaluation  and policy issues influencing cutting edge technologies related to information, communication and virtual spaces. The team is composed of designers, policy specialists, public sector and public administration analysts and urban planners. Research areas include civic participation, e-accessibility, Web 2.0 and social networking, and content and channel assessment. In conjunction with out colleagues in Europe, Asia and Latin America VGT research areas extend beyond a purely US context.

Center for Advanced Communications Policy [CACP]
CACP focuses on policy issues influencing cutting edge technologies through its programs and research initiatives such as the development of information and communications technology (ICT) policy, horizon scanning of significant public sector activities, and enhancement of Georgia 's contributions to the national and international policy research agenda. 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 agendas and related technology applications, particularly in the wireless and new technology arenas. These activities result in timely reports, advisories and published research filings before regulatory authorities. CACP clients include a wide range of stakeholders at the municipal, state, regional, national and international levels.

CACP

www.cacp.gatech.edu

Center for Innovation in Local Government (CILG)

Innovation in local government is about meeting the needs of citizens, as well as about improving method and process of governing. Municipal and civic life does not operate in isolation, but within a rich fabric of local, state and federal policy, a critical component of the analytical approach taken by the Center for Innovation in Local Government (CILG).

CILG focuses on 1) exploring new approaches to the optimal governance of local communities, 2) innovative use of digital information and communications technology; and 3) the public policy context of governance. CILG’s approach looks at such key municipal functions as communications and revitalization of community life, and on developing innovative and effective approaches to the provision of services. CILG pursues the vision of effective governance that encourages a sense of cooperation, trust and understanding among citizens, administrators and elected official alike.

The principals and associates of CILG have considerable expertise in the arena of local government innovation, including the assessment of new municipalities and the outsourcing of municipal services, communications and e-government, social media and virtual participation, and other applications of technology to government. The CILG has also developed a database of municipal information, both quantitative and qualitative, which is under continuous development.