The ECC was formed in 1996 to discuss current developments in information and communication technologies and related perspectives for economics, politics and social systems. The 1997 report gives a scientific evaluation of some of the discussed trends in our society.

Inhalt
About the ECC and this Report 10 Theses.- Emerging Issues.- Economic perspectives.- Summary.- Systemic Bottlenecks in the Information Society.- The Internet On the Verge of a Modem Society?.- The Economics of New Information and Communication Technologies.- Social perspectives.- Summary.- New Media in European Households.- Communication and Decommunication.- Dedication The Culture of Private Communication in a Realm of Uncertainty.- Policy perspectives.- Summary.- Policy Implications of Economic and Cultural Value Chains.- Strategic Alliances in the New Communication Environment.- The Harmonisation of Copyright and Related Rights.- State Intervention The Japanese Experience.- Regulation in the USA Lessons for Europe?.- The Road Ahead.- Appendix Facts and Figures.- List of Content.- About Facts & Figures.- Fact & Figures.