Value of digital information networks

Abstract

The extraordinary level of interest worldwide in Digital Information Networks (DINs)’ deployment is due to the strong perception that they bring economic, social and environmental value. However, scientific attempts to evidence this perception lead to speculative, elusive or limited conclusions. In this thesis, we propose a novel framework to account for the value of DINs. Most relevantly, our framework is capable to account for any form of value, whereas existing literature tends to focus solely on orthodox economic measures of performance such as productivity. To exemplify, we use our framework to explain evolutionary change in policy making, conomy and biology. With this approach, we underpin how DINs generate value in these three domains. We also provide significant theoretical contributions regarding the Advocacy Coalition Framework, the initiative Generalized Darwinism and the Modern Synthesis, which are frameworks used in policy making, evolutionary economics and biological evolution respectively. Finally, this thesis addresses business interoperability, and as such also contributes to increasing the value generated through DINs. From an empirical perspective, our work is supported by a rich dataset of Eurostat on the use of ICT by enterprises and households, and a case study regarding an electronic identification management system in Austria.