Center on the Digital Economy

The Center on the Digital Economy at The Heartland Institute works to advance this simple notion: The Internet is not "broken," and government attempts to "fix it" will retard the enormous potential for economic growth fueled by advances in telecommunications and technology.

Heartland believes that rules for the Internet and electronic commerce should result from private collective action, not government regulation. We believe protection of private property rights is an essential condition for effective planning and the long-term growth of the digital economy.

And we believe that effective free-market advocacy and education are required to overcome the statist special-interest groups who have for too long had the ear of policy-makers who are eager to regulate. If the public is to benefit from the many opportunities and efficiencies made possible by the digital revolution, then the market, not bureaucrats, must lead the way.