New spatial motives of inequalities in the information age: the example of Hungary

Spatial features and inequality processes of the information revolution are standing in the focal point of the paper. The aim is to evaluate the spatial characteristics of the information economy and society, and to emphasise the new elements by the application of the terms of spatial sciences (e. g. space, place, distance etc.). The overall aim of the paper is to describe traditional and new features within the role that information economy and society or the information and communication technologies (ICTs) play in spatial inequalities and regional differences. The type of space being applied in examinations principally influences basic terms of spatiality of information economy and society. Also the concept of place can be revalorised: it actually dissolves in virtual space, since the role of discrete place disappears by the possibility of spatial independency, while on the other hand spatial dependency differentiates space again and appreciates selected places. The importance of physical distance is unambiguously decreasing and changing, instead the role of network distance and social distance can be emphasised. Last but not least ICT may cause concentration or deconcentration of IT services and activities that can foster or moderate the role of centres and peripheries. From the complex system of interconnectedness the dimensions of digital divide, or the circumstances of inequalities of development and competitiveness can be traced out. In order to determine spatial patterns of inequalities estimations were prepared on different regional levels mostly on Hungarian examples.