The Internet and international data flows in the global economy (Joshua Paul Meltzer, The E15 Initiative)

Data flows underpin how the global economy works. Trade, supply chains and business operations are all enabled by the ability to move data globally. Data flows rely on the global Internet, but are not limited to it since data also flows over the industrial Internet and along internal networks within companies. When downloading software or music or when consuming services online, data itself can be a form of trade. But data can also enable trade, since data flows are needed to use Skype or access email

http://e15initiative.org/blogs/the-internet-and-international-data-flows-in-the-global-economy/