In the decade or so that the internet has been in widespread use, it has completely revolutionized the way we research, buy and sell goods and information, and interact with each other. What might this network of interwoven wires and radio-waves induce in society, the economy, and infrastructure of the future?

The internet has the potential to completely take over the way in which goods and services are bought and sold. If current trends continue, many store-based businesses will see profits drop, and many will go out of business.

The costs of buying and maintaining a commercial premise are high. Employees must be on location, even when no sales are taking place. Property taxes go up every year regardless of whether a business faces rising, stagnant or falling profits.

In contrast to the costly, risky and time-consuming attributes of a retail outlet, online businesses offering the same products and services may require little more than a small office and effective website.

As time progresses, this shift to virtual commerce will likely become more prevalent. The influx of "e-commerce" to the world's markets has already induced a renaissance of sorts to producers, suppliers and consumers. Since it is easier and less expensive or risky to engage in commerce, markets will be flooded with supply. If demand remains fairly constant, this will result in downward pressure on prices.

While beneficial to consumers, over time the increase in the number of e-business enterprises will put downward pressure on profits. A new equilibrium will be reached, at east for traditional merchants and service providers. As consumers are able to obtain the same or more goods and services at lower cost, they will find themselves with more discretionary money to spend on other things.

With reduced demand for some types of traditional retail space, one might expect an increase in vacant buildings, and downward pressure on the price of commercial real estate. This will provide opportunities for new types of "store-front" businesses to take form. If they are trying to compete with e-commerce enterprises, they will need to offer something special to entice shoppers to enter their premises and make their purchases.

New service sector opportunities may include a range of clubs and societies to bring together people with similar interests. New kinds of entertainment venues might fill niches left unsatisfied by existing nightclubs, restaurants and pubs.

An aging population might seek companionship and exercise through new forms of recreation centres and seek more comfortable ways to enjoy wilderness and parks. Conflicts over the use of public land may escalate. For example, there will be even more disagreement on whether parks and comfortable lodging should be mutually exclusive.

More prevalent use of e-commerce for goods will create the need for new storage and efficient distribution networks. Consumers will be loath to give up shopping for produce and other perishables if the quality and freshness were compromised.

Just in time delivery will require similar efficiencies for others in the supply chains. Such efficiencies must apply at all stages, from rearing to production, value-adding, shipping, warehousing, administering and distribution. There will be pressure for more open and efficient borders between political administrations (countries). Administrative and financial barriers at border crossings will find it difficult to justify an outdated frontier approach in which goods, services and independent-minded workers face unjustifiable restrictions.

Some governments see challenges and opportunities in a future that will offer heretofore unseen opportunities for citizens to live, or at least pursue our passions and dreams. Some interest groups will continue to do everything they they can get away with to limit freedom, choice and independence.

A well-educated, exposed and open society will increasingly question and challenge long-held views that people need to have limits on their freedom to make their own decisions. States, labour unions, police forces and other previously important entities will see their influence wane.

As people realize the economies of e-commerce, they will question the spending priorities of the tax collectors. If citizens can increase their economic well-being through e-commerce, is it not realistic that governments live up to similarly modern standards? Vested interests will continue to try to persuade society to spend more and more, and put to rest any suspicions of self-interest.

Has the wide-spread influence of computer technology placed us on a journey toward global anarchism? The new corporate e-entrepreneurs have empowered and enriched themselves, but have also given back to society something that is akin to primal self-reliance.