For many observers the beginning of a dynamic economic and stock market upswing in the U.S. in the mid 1990s marked the start of a new era, the times of the new economy. This phenomenon has been under intense discussion ever since - both in the political arena as well as among scientists....

Is the internet a big deal? -- Why productivity is so important -- Productivity and the internet: what lies ahead? -- Benefits of the Internet that may not show up in the gdp -- Realizing the Internet's potential -- Concluding thoughts