Fostering Research on the Economic and Social Impacts of Information Technology

The tremendous growth in use of information technology (IT) has led to an increased interest in understanding its social and economic impacts. This book presents examples of crosscutting research that has been conducted to understand the impact of information technology on personal, community, and business activities. It explores ways in which the use of methodology from economics and social sciences contributes to important advances in understanding these impacts. The book discusses significant research issues and concerns and suggests approaches for fostering increased interdisciplinary research on the impacts of information technology and making the results of this research more accessible to the public and policymakers. This volume is expected to influence funding priorities and levels of support for interdisciplinary research of this kind. Table of Contents Front Matter Executive Summary 1 Introduction 2 Illustrative Examples and Unanswered Question 3 Data- The Basis for New Knowledge 4 Options for Fostering Interdisciplinary Research and Improving Access to Results Bibliography Appendixes Appendix A: Workshop Agenda and Participants Appendix B: Position Papers Submitted by Workshop Appendix C: Commissioned Papers