Electronic commerce on the new silk road: a cornucopia of research opportunities

The Silk Road was an important trade route between Europe and Asia a thousand years ago. It connected locations in Central and Eastern Europe with those scattered around West, Central and Eastern Asia. In more recent times, it has been neglected commercially, with the development of other ports and routes. In this paper, the potential rejuvenation of the Silk Road with eCommerce is discussed. In this research project, we characterise emerging opportunities for eCommerce research in the regions of Western China (Xinjiang) and Central Asia (e.g. Kazakhstan). Infrastructural barriers (financial, logistical and physical) are identified, together with cultural and local economic concerns. Our analysis is generally Davison, Vogel, Gricar, Harris, Sorrentino eCommerce on the New Silk Road positive and we expect that a new e-Silk Road will emerge in due course, rejuvenating life and the local economy.