The Future is Mobile: Why Developing Country Entrepreneurs Can Drive Internet Innovation

This paper argues that the priority for Internet policy related to developing countries should be the support of innovation and entrepreneurship in the mobile space. It provides an overview of recent progress and current "state of play," and points to the potential of the mobile software industry as a driver of economic growth in developing and rural regions. It also outlines the leadership and innovation potential of emerging markets in this sphere. By relying on mostly African examples, the paper argues that incubating local, mobile entrepreneurs is an effective way of encouraging innovation and advancing the mobile Internet globally. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]