Title: Virtual enterprises and virtual economy: manifestations and policy challenges

Authors: Louis A Lefebvre, Elisabeth Lefebvre

Addresses: Department of Mathematics and Industrial Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal and CIRANO, 2020 University Street, 25th Floor, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2A5, Canada. Department of Mathematics and Industrial Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal and CIRANO, 2020 University Street, 25th Floor, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2A5, Canada

Abstract: This paper investigates some of the manifestations and major forces driving the emergence of the new economy. A model of the virtual enterprise is proposed and investigated in the context of a virtual industry value chain. The transition to the virtual economy is definitely technology-driven, but is also shaped by social, economic and institutional forces. As such, it raises a number of significant issues presented as propositions concerning the new governance, restructuring, and social distancing.

Keywords: virtual enterprise; industry and product value chains; emergence of the virtual economy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2000.002858

International Journal of Technology Management, 2000 Vol.20 No.1/2, pp.58-71

Published online: 07 Jul 2003 *

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