Additional information
by John Jung (Author), Louis Zacharilla (Author), Robert Bell (Author)
Broadband Economies tells the story of "Intelligent Communities" around the world that are using broadband and information technology to build local prosperity and social inclusion. Communications has let employers to go global in search of talent, skills and access to markets - and has introduced global competition between workers and communities. Communities everywhere strive to be places where people can find enough economic opportunity to raise a family and where their children can afford to do the same. Today, broadband and IT are helping 21st Century communities survive and prosper. They enable small companies to be global exporters, ensure that schools can access global resources and increase community involvement online. By boosting economic and social well-being, broadband and IT are reducing the incentives for their young people to flee in search of opportunity - but only if communities know how to put them to effective use.
Author Biography
Robert Bell is co-founder of the Intelligent Community Forum, a think tank that focuses on the use of broadband and information technology for economic development in communities around the world. During his work with the Forum, Mr. Bell has led Master Classes and workshops in cities in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. A regular blogger on the ICF Web site, he has also written for The Municipal Journal of Telecommunications Policy, IEDC Journal, Telecommunica¬tions, Digital Communities, and Asian Communications. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at municipal and telecommunications industry conferences, and has appeared in segments of ABC World News and The Discovery Channel. He is also the author of ICF's pioneering study, Benchmarking the Intelligent Community, the annual Top Seven Intelligent Communities of the Year white papers and other research reports issued by the Forum, and co-author of Broadband Economies: Creating the Community of the 21st Century.
