From the zoo to the jungle: a brief look at the Czech information market

Abstract

Outlines the current state of the information market in the Czech Republic in terms of the transition from the repressive but safe life enjoyed by businesses under Communist rule to the current, free but jungle like conditions of business under Democracy. Under Communism, with its centrally planned economy, some degree of scientific, technical and medical (STM) information did exist but was controlled through a rigid hierarchical structure of information centres. After 1989, a rapid growth in the information sector took place with companies recruiting from three sources of information professionals: the main information centres; computer staff; and business people. The separation of the Slovak Republic from Czechoslovakia also impacted on the information market. Restitution of property, nationalized by the state, to individuals and heirs led to a big injection of resources to the real estate market and to the related information market. Remaining factors limiting growth include: relatively poor and expensive telecommunications infrastructure; disappointing economic growth and foreign investment; and reluctance of people to share information and knowhow. Nevertheless, there are signs of an emerging information society taking shape.