Creating Applications and a Culture of Using

Abstract

Chapters I to IV have introduced the networked community and described its environment in terms of the Network Society, technology, telecommunication regulations and public policy, and the knowledge workforce. In this chapter, the focus shifts to the content specifics—the telecommunication and software applications found on the broadband networks. The usefulness of these applications can stimulate the creativity of users, leading to a continuum of use, otherwise known as a “culture of use”. The difficulty in benchmarking innovative applications is that they change minute by minute; what is exciting today will probably be common tomorrow. Nevertheless, even established network applications should be considered because they represent innovations that might serve as springboards to next-generation production, making communities more distinctive, competitive, and creative. Several types of worldwide community innovations in applications are described here. This chapter will deal with: • A description of applications and groupings of applications; • An overview of sector-specific applications and some international examples; • A discussion on technology adoption issues that should be considered in developing a culture of use; • Measurement and evaluation approaches.