Introduction
The digital economy cannot be understood as a single system or discipline— it is an evolving, interconnected web of technological, economic, political, and cultural processes. This framework presents a knowledge space for analyzing it: a two-dimensional core matrix expanded by optional third-dimensional lenses that enable multi-scalar, interdisciplinary exploration.
The goal is to provide a conceptual map that links what exists (ontological levels) with how we ask questions (analytical dimensions), while allowing alternative ways of viewing the system— through time, scale, flows, or governance.
The Core Concept: Knowledge Space
A knowledge space is a multidimensional conceptual field in which we can situate phenomena, questions, and perspectives. Each coordinate in this space represents a specific inquiry.
For example: "Who controls the energy and data infrastructures that power AI systems in 2025?" This involves:
- Level: Infrastructure / Data layer
- Question: Who
- Lens: Power & governance (third dimension)
In this way, the framework acts like a three-dimensional map of the digital world— a tool for research, teaching, and strategic foresight.
Vertical Dimension: Levels of the Digital Economy
This axis captures the ontological structure— the nested layers that build the digital world from matter to meaning. The framework identifies seven distinct levels:
| Level | Domain | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0. Material | Geophysical | Lithium, cobalt, rare earths, electricity grids |
| 1. Infrastructure | Technological | Chips, servers, 5G, cloud networks |
| 2. Platform | Organizational | Cloud platforms, app stores, APIs |
| 3. Data & Algorithmic | Informational | Big data, ML, search engines |
| 4. Institutional & Market | Economic–Political | Tech monopolies, venture capital, GDPR |
| 5. Social & Cultural | Human–Cultural | Social media, gig work, creator economies |
| 6. Planetary & Ethical | Civilizational | Climate impact of AI, digital rights, UN policy |
Horizontal Dimension: Analytical Questions
This axis structures how we interrogate each level— the epistemic grammar of inquiry. Six fundamental questions guide our analysis: