The prediction, in brief:

Disparate ethnic, economic, political, and other interests groups will find increased opportunity to organize and consolidate in the pursuit of their common interests. Similarly, these enabling qualities can bring increased vitality to a market-based economy. While economists differ on the appropriate policy tools and ability of government to influence markets, there is a common agreement on the set of conditions in which markets perform best. these conditions include perfect information and low (or ideally no) transaction costs, conditions best facilitated through information infrastructure. Access to market information allows easy aggregation of demand, which speeds the development of new products and markets. This has both near-term benefits of economic growth and job creation and the longer term competitiveness benefits that result from giving early adopters first-mover advantages in emerging markets.

Predictor: Keller, James

Prediction, in context:

The 1995 book “Public Access to the Internet,” edited by Brian Kahin and James Keller carries the chapter, “Public Access Issues: An Introduction” by Keller, a research associate and coordinator of the Information Infrastruture Project at Harvard University. He writes:”Information infrastructure is an enabler of both free speech and efficient markets. It can help overcome barriers to information and create opportunities to convene regardless of geographic, physical or financial constraints. Disparate ethnic, economic, political, and other interests groups will find increased opportunity to organize and consolidate in the pursuit of their common interests. Similarly, these enabling qualities can bring increased vitality to a market-based economy. While economists differ on the appropriate policy tools and ability of government to influence markets, there is a common agreement on the set of conditions in which markets perform best. these conditions include perfect information and low (or ideally no) transaction costs, conditions best facilitated through information infrastructure. Access to market information allows easy aggregation of demand, which speeds the development of new products and markets. This has both near-term benefits of economic growth and job creation and the longer term competitiveness benefits that result from giving early adopters first-mover advantages in emerging markets.”

Date of prediction: January 1, 1995

Topic of prediction: Economic structures

Subtopic: General

Name of publication: Public Access to the Internet (book)

Title, headline, chapter name: Public Access Issues: An Introduction

Quote Type: Direct quote

Page number or URL of document at time of study:
Page 35

This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Guarino, Jennifer Anne