This accomplished research monograph breaks new ground by looking at the relationship between internet entrepreneurship and public policy. The first part charts the development of the internet as the basis for a new global network economy, and the contribution to its success of government telecoms policy in the USA, while the second part examines in detail the rise; and underlying vulnerabilities - of internet entrepreneurship in Germany, examining in close detail the character of the policy relationship between the German federal government, the incumbent national telecommunications operator and the new internet ventures. It also offers a useful comparative European chapter looking at developments in France, the Netherlands and in particular Sweden. Analytically penetrating, detailed and thorough, the book shows how national institutions (such as German corporatism) and government policies for telecommunications and for national innovation have refracted the opportunities presented by global networks, causing internet businesses to develop along unique, national trajectories. Theoretically informed and grounded in careful empirical research, the book makes for compelling reading for anyone interested in public policies for the communications revolution and the new network economy