Methodological Aspects of Study of Internet Economy

Abstract

Despite the key role of market self-management in the current Internet economy, the main load is set on the state. While in certain countries, which economic systems’ necessary preconditions formed by themselves, Internet economy formed spontaneously, the process of its development in most countries is a manageable process and requires active interference of the state. The process of building Internet economy includes four successive stages. At the first stage, an institutional platform for Internet economy is created. The second stage supposes creation and development of necessary infrastructure (except for institutional infrastructure that was created at the previous stage): technological, financial, HR, and transport and logistical. The third stage is related to propaganda of Internet entrepreneurship and conclusion of deals on the Internet. The fourth stage supposes control over the functioning of the Internet economy and correction of the course of its development. The necessity for regulating Internet economy emerges due to two interconnected reasons: growth of cyber crimes and instable development of Internet economy, as well as its high aptitude to economic crises. The most perspective methods of Internet economy management include tax regulation, inflation regulation, formation and development of necessary institutes, creation and development of corresponding infrastructure, and stimulation of innovative activity. Evaluation of effectiveness supposes comparing profits and costs for their achievement. As to Internet economy, it is possible to distinguish four main advantages as compared to classic economy: larger rationality, smaller transaction costs, larger innovative activity, and bringing state management down to the minimum—these advantages determine corresponding approaches to evaluation of its effectiveness.