Stability and Commercial Information - An Economic Approach and a Look at China

Abstract

Stability and information are prominent topics of economic research. Unfortunately though, research concerning the influence of the information system on economic and social stability is scarce. In contrast, Chinese politics argue with the importance of social and economic stability to limit freedom in information flows. The article summarizes theoretical attempts in economic research to grasp questions concerning the relationship between stability, information, and economic performance, thus describing a new research programme. The central thesis is that analysing institutions and institutional change within the Chinese information system might be the best starting point to explain the impact of the information system on economic performance and stability.