Towards a Framework to Analyze Causal Relations From Digital Information Networks To Micro Economic Productivity

Abstract

Digital Information Networks (DINs) refer to information networks supported by telecommunication infrastructures and terminated by microprocessors. In the recent past, there is a consolidated recognition that the public digital network infrastructure is of high economic importance, being generally recognized as one of the pillars of the knowledge society. An economic agent uses DINs to increase his individual productivity and that of his organization. From a thorough literature review about work done on the relation between DINs and productivity, we found that the theoretical and empirical support for this relation is still inconclusive. This paper lays down a proposal for a qualitative causal model that scientifically underpins the relation between DINs and micro economic productivity. Hence, this model contributes to the establishment of a valid theoretical framework to identify the economic importance of DINs.