The world’s post offices are going through a period of seismic change; electronic substitution, internet growth, liberalisation, growth of private operators and increasing competition on a global scale. Against this background of change, is there a better way forward for the UPU? Can lessons be learnt from other industries such as aviation, maritime and telecommunications for example?

A team of eminent academics have looked in depth at alternative structures in other network industries which have been confronted by similar challenges and are undergoing similar changes, the report outlines the possible way ahead for the global mail industry in terms of the administration and role of the UPU and IPC.

This 50 page report published in May 2004 highlights other industry models and best practices from these industries.

Acknowledgements

Triangle would like to thank Robert Campbell, Dean, Faculty of Arts, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Canada and expert on industry models worldwide, Michael Davies, author of The Administration of International Organizations, and international pay and benefits consultant with extensive knowledge of the structure and operations of inter-governmental organizations, and Matthias Finger, Professor, Management of Network Industries, Dean, Continuing Education, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and Director of the European Centre for Mail Excellence, for volunteering their time. We are also grateful for the contributions of Thomas Leavey, Director-General of the Universal Postal Union and Georges Clermont, Chief Executive Officer of the International Postal Corporation. Last but not least, we are most appreciative of the assistance provided by Siemens through its contribution towards travel expenses.