The effects of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on globalization, innovation, growth and productivity are immense. ICTs contribute to the globalization of production and capital markets by reducing the cost of information and communication. These technologies have certainly made it easier for multinationals and other companies to spread production facilities all over the world, to co-ordinate international marketing campaigns, and to ease collaboration in projects taking place on different continents. While the anti-globalization movement may claim otherwise, individuals and consumers also have much to gain from the internationalization of trade and commerce. Using the Internet, consumers can today find products on sale in other countries or not available in their own countries, and compare their standard of living to those of others. It is also, as a result of the Internet, much easier for consumers to become better informed. As a result of this increased access to information, markets work more efficiently. Furthermore, globalization has speeded up the diffusion of innovation, bringing new knowledge, products and services to developing countries in months rather than years or decades. This book deals with the implications of a global economy and the emergence of a society permeated by information and communication technologies. The book includes a special focus on telecommunications markets and policy and on user perspectives. The editors have been careful to select a wide range of papers by expert scholars and policy analysts in order to capture the book issues from a number of perspectives. The book represents a holistic approach, bringing to bear a number of critical perspectives: economics, engineering, business, organization theory, psychology, policy analysis, and security concerns. The volume succeeds in providing a multi-faceted and rich view of the book topic.
