Information, and access to it, Fundamentals for 21st Century Economic Development

That's what Bernanke says – (original source is today's WSJ — subscription required)

"Good data support community growth and development by helping to identify previously unrecognized market opportunities," Mr. Bernanke said. "Free markets can be a powerful source of economic development, but markets work less effectively when information about potential opportunities is absent or costly for private actors to obtain."

The WSJ is kind enough to provide the link to Mr. Bernanke's remarks found at the Federal Reserve site.