Tech4i² provides research based evidence and practical support for public and private sector organisations in the successful utilisation of technology for policymaking, service delivery, performance monitoring and benchmarking.

Tech4i², founded in 2000 by Professor Paul Foley and previously trading as IECR Limited, is a well respected UK based research and consultancy company. A strategic decision in 2008 to merge activities with Professor Cristiano Codagnone and Dr David Osimo, who became directors, led to an expansion in activities and the development of branches in Italy (Milan) and Belgium (Brussels).

Tech4i² delivers theory based and empirically robust practical insights for innovative and inclusive policies and strategies. The company provides support and coaching for project implementation and performance monitoring; primarily in the area of ICT supported innovation to:-

• Modernise the delivery of government services (eGovernment)
• Broaden the participation to the knowledge and information society (eInclusion)
• Utilise technology to address social exclusion and development (eInclusion)
• Foster public sector transparency and citizens engagement in the public sphere (social computing, web 2.0 for eParticipation)

Tech4i² provides (national and international) policy makers and practitioners (in private and public sector organisations) with:-

• Research, evidence synthesis and design to support the development of strategies, policies and initiatives
• Web site design, knowledge management and training to provide practical evidence based support for policymakers and practitioners
• Support and coaching for successful implementation of technology initiatives, policies and change management
• Economic models and frameworks to measure and evaluate the micro and macro impact of policies investment, services and organizational change
• International, national and regional benchmarking studies
• Design and support to realise the benefits of web 2.0 tools
• Foresight, strategic roadmapping and scenario development examining how to harness the potential of ICT in future strategies, policies and initiatives

Tech4i² Managing Partners have unparalleled experience in working with national and regional governments and organisations (including Australia, Belgium, Colombia, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Oman, Spain, Sweden, Syria, Panama, Poland, United Kingdom), with European Union institutions (including DG INFSO, Units C1, H2, H3 and JRC IPTS Seville), with international organisations (OECD and UN) and private sectors organisations (including AOL, BT, Fujitsu, Ricoh, Rolls Royce, Siemens, TNT, Virgin media)

Tech4i² delivers high level insights and synthesis and practical experience that provide public and private sector organisations with robust evidence for policymaking, implementation and performance monitoring. The knowledge and practical experience of the managing partners is supported by an extensive network of respected associates who have worked with the managing partners on numerous previous projects. Associates include Professor Federico Biagi; an internationally renowned expert in the field of economic theory and econometric modelling of the impact of ICT, Annaflavia Bianchi; an expert in innovation theory, Dr Ximena Alfonso; an expert in knowledge management with practical experience of government level technology implementation and change management.

Tech4i² will utilise both its very strong links with government policymakers in the UK and throughout Europe and its network of highly experienced and established experts to develop activities throughout Europe and the rest of the world.

Skills and activities

Tech4i² managing partners, core associates and research analysts bring innovative thinking and cutting edge skills and experience in the following areas:

• eGovernment benchmarking and impact measurement methodologies at different institutional levels (European, national and regional)
• Economic and econometric analysis of ICT impacts (on productivity, innovation, R&D intensity, returns on investment, payback periods, labour market outcomes)
• Experience in the development of questionnaires, survey techniques and web based surveys
• Monitoring emerging technology, socio-technical and administrative trends
• Stakeholder and expert engagement and workshop design and organisation, including the use of web 2.0 tools.
• Development of web based portals for practitioners, such as www.Solutions4Inclusion.org