Exploring digital government initiatives to expand Full Information Product Pricing (FIPP) networks in NAFTA

This poster describes research in progress made by the Research Group on Comparative and Transnational Digital government in North America. The main purpose of this project is to understand the characteristics of distribution networks that attach non-price information to products as a differentiation mechanism. Often this non-price information is transmitted through trusting networks or certifiable labels such as "Organic" or "Fair Trade." We call such networks Full Information Product Pricing (FIPP) Networks. We intend to explore how government policies and investment in information and communication technology can be used to promote FIPP networks. In this paper, we discuss our research focus, research questions, research plan, and brief case descriptions. This research aims to develop theoretical framework, practical tools and innovations, and policy recommendation that would promote economic development, especially through the creation and growth of networks connecting SME producers and cooperatives.