Title: The computer revolution : an economic perspective /
Authors: Sichel, Daniel E.
Publisher: Brookings Institution Press,
Year: 1997
Subjects: Computer industry United States; Computer service industry United States.; Computer software industry United States; Information technology United States; United States Economic conditions.
Abstract: This book provides a straightforward guide to the economic issues behind the debates about the role of computers in the nation's economy. To set the stage, Daniel Sichel reviews the essential facts about computers in the economy, with a particular emphasis on software. Using quantitative and historical analysis, supplemented by interviews with business leaders and other professionals, Sichel assesses the aggregate economic impact of computers in recent decades and looks ahead to their future impact. When compared with the size of the slowdown in productivity growth in the 1970s, he finds that recent contributions of computers to growth seem relatively modest. And, looking ahead, Sichel suggests it is doubtful that these contributions will surge in coming years. Thus, despite the importance of information technology, some caution is in order; computers may not be a magic bullet for productivity growth.
Contents: 1. Introduction -- 2. The Economics of the Computer Revolution -- 3. Computer Hardware and Software in the Economy -- 4. Measuring the Aggregate Impact of Computers -- 5. The Computer Revolution: Examples from the Past -- App. The Focused Interviews.