Internet and Digital Economics

How are our societies being transformed by Internet and digital economics ? This book provides an accessible introduction to the economics of the Internet and a comprehen-sive account of the mechanisms of the digital economy. Reading scholars examine the original economic business models being developed as a result of the Internet system, and explore their impact on our economies and societies. Key issues are analyzed, including the development of open source software and online communities, peer-to-peer and online sharing of cultural goods, electronic markets and the rise of new information intermediaries, e-retailing and e-banking.
This volume examines how Internet and digital economics have trans-formed the organization of firms, industries, markets, commerce, modes of distribution, money, finance and innovation processes. It provides the analytical tools to understand both these recent transformations and the likely future directions of the "New Economy".