Telematics and urban economic development policies: Time for caution?

Abstract

It is increasingly being proposed that the conjunction of telecommunications and computing into ‘telematics’ has major significance for urban policy makers and enables the positive development of urban economic development strategies. By contrast, failing to participate in such telematics developments will, it is said, have important negative consequences for cities, firms and individuals. This article argues that such developments and policy making in this area are more problematic than some authors would suggest. Some of these problems are explored in greater detail and a cautionary note is sounded.