The Economics, Concept, and Design of Information Intermediaries : A Theoretic Approach

The thesis analyses the economics, concept, and design of information intermediaries. Information intermediaries are independent, trustworthy information processing third parties who mediate information between information sources and information seekers in order to overcome problems of information overload and the uncertainty about the quality of information. The analysis develops an economic model based on the microeconomic theory of search and applies it to information intermediaries who provide services like the search for information or the mediation of information. Examples of these information intermediaries can be found in multiple forms on the Internet, e.g., search engines, thematic oriented subject directories, and electronic product catalogues. The model identifies the basic influencing factors of the intermediary's environment, investigates the impact of these environmental conditions on the information intermediary, and derives the optimal strategy of the information intermediary under different environmental circumstances. The work provides deep insight in the economic principles of information intermediaries and outlines the application of current information technologies for their practical realization