The impact of electronic publishing on the performance of professional information markets in the Netherlands

Abstract

This exploratory article builds upon industrial organization theory to discuss, clarify and tentatively predict how electronic publishing affects the performance of professional information markets in the Netherlands. First, it explains how the availability of low-cost electronic reproduction and distribution technologies initiates new entry and vertical disintegration in the professional information value chain. It then argues that traditional publishers use electronic publishing strategies to counter these threats and to regain control over professional information markets. It subsequently theorizes how these changes are likely to affect market performance. Finally, it predicts that electronic publishing is likely to improve performance of professional information markets, by reinforcing competition between traditional publishers that operate on information markets, and new entrants that operate on attention markets.