This book provides a unique view of the evolution of these industries, drawing out how technology and economic forces have worked together to create platforms around which different companies interact. Through identifying the key aspects of this evolution over the past decades, the author is able to put forward a unique view of the emerging industrial structure of the communications industries – the formation of an Information-Driven Global Commodity Chain, one that holds both incredible promise and challenges for our world.

Catherine Mulligan is a Transitional Fellow in Innovation Studies at Horizon Digital Economy Research, University of Nottingham, UK.