Special Section: Competitive Strategy, Economics, and Information Systems

Eric K. clEmons is Professor of Operations and Information Management at the Wharton School of the university of Pennsylvania. his education includes an S.b. in Physics from MIt, and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Operations research from cornell university. he has been a pioneer in the systematic study of the transformational effects of information on the strategy and practice of business. his research and teaching interests include strategic uses of information systems, the changes that It enables in the competitive balance between new entrants and established industry participants, transformation of distribution channels, the structure and governance of the It functional area, and the impact of It on the risks and benefits of outsourcing and strategic alliances. Industries of focus include international securities markets and financial services firms, consumer packaged goods retailing, and travel. he specializes in assessing the competitive implications of It, and in managing the risks of large-scale implementation efforts. Dr. clemons is the founder and project director for the Wharton School’s Sponsored research Project on Information: Strategy and Economics Within the Program for Global Strategy and Knowledge Intensive Organizations. he recently participated in the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland (February 2009). he is currently a member of the editorial boards of the Journal of Management Information Systems and International Journal of Electronic Commerce. Dr. clemons has 35 years’ experience on the faculties of Wharton, cornell, and harvard, and consulting experience in the private and public sectors both domestically and abroad.