The Images for the Future consortium assumes that the collections represent great value. It has asked the Foundation for Economic Research (SEO) to test this assumption, resulting in the set-up of an area code prefix costs and benefits analysis.
In doing so, the SEO followed the customary OEI-guideline (OEI = Infrastructure Effects Research). These guidelines show how the costs and benefits of roads, railways, and the likes, can be stipulated for the ‘Netherlands Ltd.’ The environment and other ‘soft’ effects are also being taken into consideration. This method can be applied to different kinds of projects, Images for the Future being this one. In addition to stipulating total costs and benefits, the analysis also shows where the effects end up: with users, intellectual property rights holders, the government, or the consortium.
The calculations of – current and future - user benefits are based on several assumptions regarding the use of audiovisual content. It thereby neglects the more abstract project goals, which are difficult to express in monetary terms. One example is the preservation of cultural historical heritage and the increase in multimedia literacy. In addition, future benefits that may derive out of public broadcasting theme-channels still to be developed haven’t been quantified as yet, because of a lack in in-depth information. Despite these limitations, and a subsequent underestimation of total benefits, the analysis proves the quantifiable benefits to surpass the costs.
Click here to download the Images for the Future Outline of Benefits.
