Economic modeling has yet to incorporate a balanced view of information
as a resource, even though economic systems have become increasingly information-intensive.
The assumption that more information is better has dangerous consequences because
it usually lacks a typology of information, it assumes that expected productivity
increases are achieved, and it neglects both equity aspects and the need to
search for more appropriate forms of organization. The United Nations Educational,
Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) program UNISIST is examined to
illustrate these consequences and to argue the relevance of the emerging information
economics. The purpose of UNISIST was to create a flexible world network of
information systems and services based on voluntary cooperation; it began in
1971. UNISIST was based on: 1. free interchange among all countries of scientific
information, 2. effective interconnection of information processing systems
in different countries, 3. assistance for countries desiring access to scientific
documentation services, and 4. development of skills for the use of automatic
systems. UNISIST created an illusion of neutrality. Individual differences received
inadequate attention, and the program's users were not identified. Overall,
inequalities were accentuated rather than minimized.