Innovations in information and communications technologies have created a digital revolution that is changing the way the world works, learns, communicates and transacts business. This revolution is helping to foster economic growth and social development across the globe. Businesses are using the tools of electronic commerce to increase productivity, access global markets, reduce the time required to develop new products, and forge closer relationships with their customers. Some observers estimate that by 2003, global e-commerce could well exceed $1.8 trillion. The Internet and other technologies also are helping us tackle some of our toughest social challenges. They are helping us educate our children, protect our health, and make government more efficient, responsive, participatory and transparent. Ultimately, the Internet and other technologies are helping us to renew our most cherished values: raising standards of living, literacy and learning while widening the circle of democracy and empowering the individual. Unfortunately, not all countries or communities are participating fully in these dramatic developments. We must work together to realize the potential of the Digital Revolution for all our citizens. Together, we have the chance to create "digital opportunities" worldwide: to improve access to information and communications technology in underserved regions and communities; to bring 21st century learning to all corners of the world; to bring the latest medical insights to areas where there are barely enough doctors today; to strengthen democracy and freedom; and to create networks that allow every business no matter how small to market and sell products directly to the entire world. This vision is not necessarily self-fulfilling, however. Governments must adopt appropriate policies if they wish to foster the growth of the Internet. Perhaps the single most important contribution they can make is to establish conditions that unleash the dynamism, technology and capital of the private sector. This means letting the private sector lead in the development of the Internet, avoiding unnecessary regulations, and adopting minimal government regulation only where necessary to protect the public interest. It means encouraging private investment, competition, open access, flexible regulatory frameworks and universal service. The pages that follow in this electronic journal examine more closely some of the principles, policies and programs that will best promote global electronic commerce and allow us to reap the full social benefits of the Internet. I believe that among the greatest challenges we face in the millennium ahead is creating the conditions that will unlock the power and deliver on the promise of the Internet. I urge you to join me in working toward that goal. -- Vice President Al Gore

Back to top | Contents - Economic Perspectives, May 2000 | IIP E-Journals | IIP Home