Track Chair: Andrea Carignani, University  IULM, Milan

Ever since the beginning of research into IS, economics has been recognised as one of the underlying disciplines. Economic theory has made many contributions to the understanding of IS. Some examples include theories of information value (decision theory, team theory, and game theory all provide concepts) which help us to understand the implementation and use of IS. Economic theory also gives rise to empirical and normative questions concerning IS; how much is invested, how much should be invested, and whether the investments pay off. This last question has given rise in recent years to one of the most hotly debated issues in IS, namely the productivity paradox. Presumably, organisations invest in IS in order to improve their efficiency; why, then, is it so difficult to show the economic benefits arising from them? At a managerial level, the widespread use of IS has given rise to many interesting questions concerning the prudent management of such systems in addition to those of economic value. Problems of optimal configuration and metrics for productivity, efficiency and effectiveness of hardware, software, and personnel all require attention. The objective of this track is to present new research results and theories pertaining to all the economic aspects of IS. Theoretical, empirical, experimental and policy-oriented contributions are welcome.

Suggested topics:

-	Market structure and competition
-	Players and markets in IT and the media
-	IT, labour and employment
-	Information management
-	Issues in media and information economics
-	Productivity of IS and the productivity paradox
-	IS management metrics
-	Value of information and IS
-	Economics of outsourcing
-	Technology dissemination and adoption
-	Economics of IT industries
-	Economics of the internet, intranets and electronic commerce