Weightless Economy
 |
Definition of 'Weightless Economy'A portion of the economy which exchanges intangible services and products, including software, databases and intellectual property. There are at least two key features of the weightless economy. First, products have a high initial cost to develop, but a very low cost to reproduce and distribute. Second, products can be distributed infinitely. These two factors mean that the weightless economy can be among the fastest growing and most profitable sectors of business. |
 |
Investopedia explains 'Weightless Economy'The weightless economy is also described by some as a feature of a knowledge economy, where knowledge is widely traded as an intangible product, not just used as a tool to manufacture physical products. In such an economy, an individual who possesses that ability to produce intangible products through creativity and know-how is able to grow wealthy even without possessing significant economic resources. This aspect of the weightless economy is demonstrated by the stories of Apple and Microsoft, among others. |
Related Definitions
Articles Of Interest
-
Using The Price-To-Book Ratio To Evaluate Companies
The P/B ratio can be an easy way to determine a company's value, but it isn't magic! -
Human Capital: The Most Overlooked Asset Class
The skills and knowledge that allow you to make money are your best asset. Remember to invest in yourself! -
Intangible Assets Provide Real Value To Stocks
Intangible assets don't appear on balance sheets, but they're crucial to judging a company's value. -
Company Clone Cost Reveals True Value
Find out how calculating a reproduction cost for a company can beat out the dividend discount model. -
Patents Are Assets, So Learn How To Value Them
Innovation is the key to staying on top. Find out how companies protect their ideas and how to figure out how much they're worth. -
Top Ranking Nations By HNWI
The United States, Japan and Germany together make up 53.3% of the total worldwide high net worth individual population. -
Countries With The Fastest And Slowest GDP Growth
Discover which countries have shown the most growth since 1980, and which have shown the more ignominious fizzle and pop. -
All I Want for Christmas Is A Santa Claus Rally
Wall Street believes its dream of a Santa Claus rally will surely come to pass. -
TARP 4 Years Later - How Did It All Work Out?
The TARP program is estimated to cost taxpayers about $32 billion, much less than the OMB's reported estimate. -
4 Ways Outsourcing Damages Industry
While outsourcing has preserved capital for many companies, it could be damaging to American industry.
Free Annual Reports
