Information and Communications Technology as Potential Catalyst for Sustainable Urban Development FROM THE PUBLISHER
"The information revolution has deeply influenced the development of Europe's large cities. They are faced with new opportunities and threats from the information and communication technologies (ICTs) and require strategic policy responses." By examining and comparing five European cities - Eindhoven, Helsinki, Manchester, Marseilles and The Hague - this book sheds light on the impact of ICTs on urban development and considers the consequences for urban management. Case studies show how cities use new technologies to improve the delivery of municipal services, to increase civil participation and local democracy, to help their citizens and businesses make the shift to the information society, and to fight the 'digital divide'. These analyses reveal strategic challenges and potential pitfalls for ICT policy. The book offers a unique international perspective on the impact and potential of information technologies on urban development. The integrative approach - taking economic, social and accessibility issues into account - reveals many new insights.
SYNOPSIS
In 1999, the European Institute for Comparative Urban Research (EURICUR), based at Erasmus University in Rotterdam, was invited to conduct an international comparative study on technology and urban development. This book is the result of a study conducted by Berg and Van Winder (both with EURICUR) to understand the effects of information and communications technology (ICT) on urban development and change, as demonstrated by a comparison of five European cities. Coverage includes current trends in European cities, the threats and challenges faced by cities, how cities might react strategically, the potential for ICT firms as growth engines for economic growth, how ICT might be used to improve the urban environment and its accessibility for citizens and businesses. No subject index. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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