This text investigates the nature of impacts of information systems on the political world in the First World countries. The overall aim 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 modelling 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 modelling has advanced in theoretical sophistication and data collection methods, despite the refinement and the improvement of the technique. In this book, economic modelling 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; highly theoretical basis; and high prestige in economic debate and political decision-making.
This book therefore 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. The book is intended for professionals in information technology, public administration and political science.