ABSTRACT

In this chapter, we return to the broader themes of how ICT-driven innovations are fueling the growth of the global economy, and how rapidly and permanently their use (and possible misuse) is changing organizational concepts, public policies and international trade relationships. As discussed in previous chapters, global struggles for control of ICT systems have become more than just efforts to install better communication and information technology or improve government efficiency. Just as British control of the seas once helped England dominate 19 th century international trade and American dominance of the airways provided the same advantage for the United States in the 20 th century, the nation or nations that hold a technological edge in the 21 st century are more likely to prevail in an uncertain future.