François Bar

A Test of the Individual Action Model for Organizational Information Commons

This research elaborated and empirically tested the individual action component of the collective action model as applied to individual contributions to organizational information commons. The model extended prior theory and research by making six elaborations on the classic collective action model based on unique characteristics of information goods compared to material collective goods. The structural equation model was tested via LISREL analyses of data provided by 781 respondents in three high-tech firms who had access to corporate intranets as shared information goods. The results were highly similar across organizations and indicated that (a) level of production, information retrieval, and cost predicted the perceived value of information, (b) information value and cost predicted gain, and (c) information retrieval and gain predicted the level of individual contributions to the commons.

Tapping User-Driven Innovation: A New Rationale for Universal Service

The current transformation of communication policies, as governments turn to the marketplace as the driver of network evolution, requires a redefinition of universal service. The debate so far has focused primarily on the elaboration of new funding mechanisms and the definition of which services should be covered. We argue that a more fundamental, third area demands attention: the articulation of a new rationale for universal service itself. Without articulating a clear justification for universal service, designing its scope and funding mechanisms is problematic at best. Past justifications rested on welfare (make telephony affordable to all) and network externalities (increase the network?s value by widening its reach). Increasingly, these need to be complemented by a new rationale based on the innovative potential of universal service. This article explores how universal service can fuel innovation-driven economic growth.The current transformation of communication policies, as governments turn to the marketplace as the driver of network evolution, requires a redefinition of universal service. The debate so far has focused primarily on the elaboration of new funding mechanisms and the definition of which services should be covered. We argue that a more fundamental, third area demands attention: the articulation of a new rationale for universal service itself. Without articulating a clear justification for universal service, designing its scope and funding mechanisms is problematic at best. Past justifications rested on welfare (make telephony affordable to all) and network externalities (increase the network?s value by widening its reach). Increasingly, these need to be complemented by a new rationale based on the innovative potential of universal service. This article explores how universal service can fuel innovation-driven economic growth.

The Building of the Internet: Implications for the Future of Broadband Networks

The Internet, a system of interconnected computer networks primarily in the USA, can be seen as an experiment in the development, deployment and use of high-speed networks, and as such can provide guidance for the shaping of the future national telecommunications infrastructure. Internets significance lies not only in the technologies it helps develop, but more importantly in the new usage dynamics it helps uncover, the new network management mechanisms it tests and the new policy strategies it explores.

Information networks and competitive advantage: issues for government policy and corporate strategy

As the competitive environment changes network technologies become increasingly important to the achievement of corporate strategic objectives. Even in more stable markets environments, the intensive use of telecommunications networks can produce a broad range of benefits. To make these gains requires the seamless interweaving of telecommunications capabilities and business activities. Very few companies are near to implementing this network–strategy ideal.

The Unbalanced Triad

We have been asked to discuss the effect of the United States on European Japanese relationships in telecommunications and trade. In fact, the real issues are different. They are the balance and evolution of two bilateral relationships; that between the United States and Europe on the one hand and between the United States and Japan on the other. The triad, very simply, is unbalanced.