COMMUNITY ECONOMIC-DEVELOPMENT NETWORKS - A GRASS-ROOTS LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE

Communities of all sizes now have the ability to gain access to the Internet for minimal costs. Access to the Internet has created a kind of global 'infomarketplace'' by making business information and expert advice readily available. Communities can take advantage of this low-cost accessibility to spur local economic development and entrepreneurship through collaboration with experts. Communities need to consider what level of Internet connectivity best meets their needs, in view of the cost/benefit ratio of Internet access. Issues and barriers to be dealt with include profit motives, teleliteracy, and technofear.