A policy perspective on electronic commerce

The implementation of global electronic commerce is proceeding much more rapidly than initially anticipated. By 2003-2005, electronic commerce revenue is projected to total more than $1 trillion. The US Department of Commerce´s “The Emerging Digital Economy II” provides a snapshot of how electronic commerce and information technologies are being used by businesses of all sizes and from all sectors to create new goods and services. Electronic commerce is changing the fundamental relationship between buyers and sellers, producers and consumers. The role of government in providing a policy framework deserves careful examination