This paper is based on two large Swiss studies on forecasting the diffusion and the effects of telematic applications. Three scenarios are presented: (1) the Total Information Society; (2) the Divided Information Society; and (3) the Society Sceptical of Technology. The forecasts are made for 2010 and 2025. It is concluded that the effects of telematics will be benificial only if external costs of undesirable developments are internalized. Then, telematics will support qualitative growth instead of only quantitative economic growth. (A)
Samenvatting