Malcolm Peltu

Bridging broadband Internet divides: reconfiguring access to enhance communicative power

Government and industry initiatives to stimulate the diffusion of high-performance broadband telecommunications links have given a fresh impetus to debates over the social and economic implications of the growing use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICTs). This paper analyses how outcomes tied to ICT innovation are shaped by choices about whether and how to use, or not use, the technology to reconfigure access to people, services, information and technologies in ways that significantly change the communicative power of individuals, communities, organisations, nations and regions. It explains why these outcomes are not predetermined by the technology, but unfold over time through the complex interplay among many actors, in many arenas. A framework is presented to assist in addressing the issue of digital divides and other areas of research, policy and practice affected by the design and use of broadband Internet and related ICTs.

Economics of Trust in the Information Economy: Issues of Identity, Privacy and Security

This paper discusses some of the major issues surrounding trust in e-commerce, by first defining the concept of trust before identifying and examining some trust-enhancing strategies, products and services and their impacts. The conclusion uses this review to highlight key future research priorities aimed at gaining theoretical and practical insights into how the needs of consumers, citizens, business, government and other stakeholders can be taken into account in a balanced way when developing a strategy for building trust in electronic markets.

Fostering Multidisciplinary Engagement: Communication Challenges for Social Research on Emerging Digital Technologies

Abstract There is wide agreement on the value of multidisciplinary social research related to information and communication technologies. This paper provides insights into the dynamics at play in these studies, drawing on an in‐depth analysis of exchanges among an international group of experts from many relevant disciplines who participated in a workshop on research into the social implications of emerging digital technologies. In addition to identifying some distinctive new challenges facing this field, the paper suggests how understanding ways to foster productive engagement in discussing and developing issues and joint work could lead to more useful multidisciplinary partnerships.