In the emerging information economy, inclusion not just access to
technology is critical for individuals, firms and communities to
shape positive economic futures, especially for communities-left-behind
and communities-at-risk.
To explore these issues, Athena Alliance hosted a conference on “New
IT New Equity New Economy.” The conference drew together
diverse participants from a broad range of economic sectors, to discuss
the barriers to full inclusion in the Information Age. Athena Alliance is
a non-profit organization dedicated to public education and research on
the emerging global information economy and the networked society.
I am pleased to announce that a report based on the conference,
Inclusion in the Information Age Reframing the Debate, is
now available on our web site at
www.athenaalliance.org.
A printed version is available on request.
The report covers a number of issues. It begins with understanding:
understanding the nature of the change occurring in our economy and
society to as a perquisite to comprehending the nature and consequences
of what we have come to call the “digital divide.” To broaden our
understanding, the report addresses three basic issues. How new and
different is the “New Economy?” Are the new technologies fundamentally
different in their impact on society from existing information and
communications technologies? Is the “digital divide” something new, or is
it simply another manifestation of the existing socio-economic divides
within America and around the world? The report then explores the issues
of access, governance and economic development.
It concludes with eight points of consideration concerning the
technological, economic and social aspects of the revolution in IT and
the rise of a new economy.
Point one: Focus on the transformation, not the technology.
Point two: Review and coordinate efforts.
Point three: Work to ensure that everyone has access to the technological
infrastructure.
Point four: Encourage and facilitate participation and involvement by all
in the digital economy and information society.
Point five: Focus economic development on the Information Economy, not
the Internet Economy.
Point six: We need a better understanding of what is going on.
Point seven: The decision making process must be open.
Point eight: Innovate and experiment.
It is our hope that the report will serve as a guide for those involved
in framing public policy, and shaping public opinion, on issues of
broader, fair and equitable inclusion in the Information Age. We believe
that it will help identify and break down -- barriers to full
participation in the Information Age. I welcome your thoughts and
comments.
Ken Jarboe
Kenan Patrick Jarboe, Ph.D.
Athena Alliance
711 10th Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 547-7064
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http://www.athenaalliance.org