Robert Bell

Broadband Economies: Creating the Community of the 21st Century Robert Bell

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.