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CONCLUSIONS
Policy makers have recognized the viability of electronic commerce and the
opportunities it offers for business and citizens. While several ethical and security
issues arise from the use of the new technologies, there is a general consensus that
the benefits are substantial and justify the investment in electronic commerce. There
are several efforts in this direction by policy makers at a national and international
level. The paper has argued that technology alone is not sufficient for the successful
implementation of complex electronic commerce strategies but the examination of
social and political issues is crucial for a holistic approach on the subject. Indeed
there are several dilemmas related to policy issues, making the role of the policy
makers critical. We considered a general framework for policy making that could
be used at a national or international level as a starting point for considering social
issues in the context of electronic commerce strategies.
Further research in the area may include the investigation of electronic
commerce policies implemented in different national settings and social environ-
ments since, in practice, different countries have different priorities. The case of
developing countries would be of particular interest as technical infrastructure and
stakeholder awareness and involvement can be substantially different. Research
also needs to be continued in specific areas that are affected by the extensive use
of electronic commerce. Because of their social importance, of particular interest
are the areas of health and education where issues of Internet use and electronic
commerce become increasingly relevant (e.g., through tele-health
or distance
learning applications). A study of alternative national policies in these areas can lead
to an informative debate about the underlying assumptions concerning the duties
and social responsibility of policy makers towards different stakeholder groups.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The financial support of EPSRC (grant GR/N03242) is gratefully acknowl-
edged.