This book investigates the nature of impacts of information systems on the political world in the First World countries. The overall mission is to provide a framework on how to analyze implications of information technology (IT) on the political world and vice versa. This is illustrated by a study of economic modeling at the central and local levels of government. The term Economic Modelling denotes the use of formalized models on economic issues, using statistical techniques to estimate the correlation between certain variables. Since the 1930s the formulation of economic modeling has advanced in theoretical sophistication and data collection methods, despite the refinement and the improvement of the technique (i.e. computers and software). In this book economic modeling is analyzed as a variant of IT. However, by contrast to conventional IT as databases, word-processing and information retrieval systems, the development and use of models involve: long, focused, and expensive development; extensive data generation; higly theoretical basis; and high prestige in economic debate and political decision-making. The book hereby illustrates the general transformation of the public service, work conditions, and political decision-making processes in the last three decades and in developments to come. Readers: Professionals, Policy makers in Information Technology, Public Administration and Political Science.
