E-commerce and the Australian economy

Abstract

This paper considers the likely impact of e-commerce and the Internet on the Australian economy. It surveys literature on the extent and development of e-commerce in Australia and its impact on the shape of the Australian economy. Evidence for the 'renewal' of the Australian economy is presented and examined, especially the question of whether Australia has enjoyed increases in productivity as a result of the production and/or use of new information and communications technology. Australia is seen as broadly well placed to benefit from the Internet and e-commerce. Traditionally isolated from the world's main economic centres and reliant on commodities in international trade, the advent of th..