• Journal of Science and Technology Studies
• /
• v.6 no.1 s.11
• /
• pp.31-52
• /
• 2006

This paper aims to analyze the rise and decline of Seattle Community Network(briefly SCN), an electronic community network based upon Seattle, U.S. from the perspective of 'social shaping of technology' theory rather than that of technological determinism That is, this paper focuses on the social processes of the evolution of SCN. And this paper considers SCN as one important element of the 'network society', a concept manufactured by Manuel Castells. SCN was built successfully over 10 years ago by some progressive local activists and volunteers. The main purpose of building SCN at that time was said to make local community stronger with the help of advanced information technology. This can be understood that the founders of SCN tried to shape the direction of network society development based on civil society's values including public access and commitment to democracy rather than those of private companies. After some years of successful working, however, SCN started to decline. The expansion of internet services and the booming of dot.com companies in the late 90's were the main factors that made SCN decline. In conclusion, it can be said that the socia-economic factors rather than technological factors gave birth to the rise and decline of SCN.

• International Area Studies Review
• /
• v.21 no.4
• /
• pp.101-124
• /
• 2017

This study is to examine the current situation of the AEC (ASEAN Economic Community) and analyze macroeconomic situation of Vietnam since the launch of AEC. According to recent trade indicators, Vietnam is expected to be more productive in the manufacturing and processing sectors because it is at the heart of the global value chains (GVCs) in electronics, telephones, and textiles and shoes industry. Vietnam has signed or is negotiating free trade agreements with various countries around the world including Korea, Israel, EU and RCEP and so on. Therefore, it is expected that Vietnam's trade dependency and FDI inflows to Vietnam increase more and more. However, the fact that the proportion of exports by foreign-invested companies accounts for about 70% of the total exports implies the uncertainty of Vietnam's economy in the future. Attracting FDI investment can further reduce the competitiveness of domestic companies in Vietnam. Therefore, in order for Vietnam to maintain sustainable development in the future, it is necessary to reform the momentum of foreign-invested enterprises to the development of Vietnamese companies.