ICT and accessibility: an action space perspective on the impact of new information and communication technologies

Abstract

It is frequently asserted in the literature that new Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are on the point of a breakthrough into rapid growth. Although we cannot say whether this breakthrough will indeed take place and ― should it do so ― on what scale, in this paper we nevertheless anticipate the potential impact of new ICTs on the spatial configuration of opportunities: that is to say, on accessibility. For this purpose we distinguish between a spatiotemporal and a perceptual dimension of accessibility. On the basis of both of these perspectives, we reveal how new ICTs may impact on three components of accessibility: the reference location from which access to destinations is determined; the set and attractiveness of opportunities; travel impedance. The study has been undertaken within an action space framework. The concept of action space refers to the area within which people undertake activities, or could do so if they wished.

In the concluding section, 8 hypotheses formulated for future research are set out. We conclude that the use of new ICTs may cause a time-space convergence, a revaluation of travel time, activities and acts, and thereby a revaluation of travel opportunities and an awareness of unprecedented opportunities. The ultimate anticipated result is that all types of action space will expand, the various types of action space will overlap, and that known and visited activity places will become more widely spread within action spaces