ITR: 'Globalization, Electronic Commerce and Social Impacts: The Influence of National Environments on Diffusion and Impacts of the Internet'.

University Of California-Irvine, Irvine CA

Investigators

Abstract

This research examines the global diffusion of Internet-based electronic commerce, how national environments and policies influence e-commerce use within countries, and the economic and social impacts of e-commerce. The project employs both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, including a comparative study of diffusion across 42 countries and detailed case studies in eight countries that look at the growth of e-commerce nationally, and also in three critical industry sectors: high-technology, financial services and retail. These studies will identify key trends in diffusion, critical environmental and policy factors that influence the diffusion, and major impacts of e-commerce. The project will be carried out by researchers from computer science, social systems and management and will involve data collection collaboration with experts from a total of eight countries, including Brazil, Denmark, France, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, Taiwan, and the United States. The outcomes of the research include 1) new scientific understanding of the use and impacts of e-commerce in different countries, 2) baseline benchmarks for future studies of industry, national and global trends, 3) strategic insights for business executives involved in global e-commerce, 4) policy insights for governments to promote and maximize the benefits of global commerce, and 5) extension of the research community through the education of graduate students.