The Digital Economy: Promise and Peril in the Age of Networked Intelligence

Jeff Moon is Head of the Maps, Data, & Government Information Centre (MADGIC), at Queen's University

This book looks at how “digital” and “business” realities are
converging in a revolutionary way. In the chapter “Ten Technology
Shifts (and Why They Matter),” Tapscott describes how these shifts
have led to the “internetworking” of our society. Business,
education, government, entertainment, and other aspects of our
culture/society are being increasingly ifluenced by this
“internetworking” revolution. The author explores the “promise”
of these developments using an entertaining narrative style, making
frequent use of examples (many Canadian) and quotes. He does not shy
away from predictions.

The “peril” in the “digital economy,” though dealt with
throughout, is highlighted in two chapters, one dealing with the need
for “leadership,” and the other with “privacy.” In some
respects, Tapscott has written a handbook for businesses already
“internetworked” as well as for those contemplating joining the
revolution. As could be expected, the book is full of definitions (e.g.,
MUDs, MOOs, VR), and makes effective use of statistics, tables, and
charts. The Digital Economy, which is as up-to-date as one can expect
from such an outdated technology as paper, is recommended.