The purpose of this contribution is to provide a survey of the economic impact of digitalization processes in the economy and society at large (e-Inclusion). The following three main bodies of literature have been selected and reviewed: The first one is the very rich literature on digital divide/inclusion (section 7.1). Although the latter investigates the causes (rather than the economic effects) of the processes of digital inclusion (or exclusion) it nonetheless provides several hints and useful indications for a better understanding of both the e-Inclusion phenomenon and (indirectly) its potential economic impact. Section 7.2 reviews the standard econometric literature assessing the economic impact of ICT picking up those contributions which have (explicitly or implicitly) taken into account phenomena and variables related to e-Inclusion processes and their final economic effects. This is particular the case of the micro-economic literature exploring the impact of ICT on employability and wages and the most recent empirical attempt assessing the economic impact of broadband and internet. Last but not least, section 7.3 focuses on the few quantitative exercises which have tried to obtain proper quantitative/monetary figures on the impact of e-Inclusion in a selected number of economic areas.
The economic impact of e-inclusion. A review of the literature
EVANGELISTA, Rinaldo
2011-01-01
Abstract
The purpose of this contribution is to provide a survey of the economic impact of digitalization processes in the economy and society at large (e-Inclusion). The following three main bodies of literature have been selected and reviewed: The first one is the very rich literature on digital divide/inclusion (section 7.1). Although the latter investigates the causes (rather than the economic effects) of the processes of digital inclusion (or exclusion) it nonetheless provides several hints and useful indications for a better understanding of both the e-Inclusion phenomenon and (indirectly) its potential economic impact. Section 7.2 reviews the standard econometric literature assessing the economic impact of ICT picking up those contributions which have (explicitly or implicitly) taken into account phenomena and variables related to e-Inclusion processes and their final economic effects. This is particular the case of the micro-economic literature exploring the impact of ICT on employability and wages and the most recent empirical attempt assessing the economic impact of broadband and internet. Last but not least, section 7.3 focuses on the few quantitative exercises which have tried to obtain proper quantitative/monetary figures on the impact of e-Inclusion in a selected number of economic areas.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
