Developing strategies for the information society

Abstract

Abstract Much has been written about the coming Information Society and the possible benefits and problems that could accompany its evolution. However, there is no grand design for the Information Society. Its general shape, speed, and direction are being shaped by a wide variety of forces, only some of which are technological. However, an argument can be made that the lack of a coherent strategy for the evolution of the Information Society may prove dysfunctional in the long run, because it results in ambiguity, confusion, waste, and lost opportunity in both the public and private sectors. In fact, there are many strategic choices that could be taken today which would help shape the future Information Society so as to improve the prospects for overall societal benefits. Five strategic choices in the public sector and five in the private sector are offered as examples of the kinds of actions that would appear to be appropriate today to lay the groundwork for the successful evolution of the Information Soc...