|
|
|
|
The dynamics of the 21st century are at once driven by changes in Telecommunications; and are driving changes in Telecommunications. Telecommunications continue to merge with information, media and other technologies to produce exciting lifestyle, management and governance options. These options were not dreamed of 25 years ago when the world set out on the path to deregulation, privatisation and competition, largely beginning with reforms in the USA. It is now time to review those reforms and associated policy refinements and to ask ‘how relevant to the future?’ The future is multifaceted. At the centre of our lives are societies and relationships that are being driven in new directions by proliferating ICTs and converged technologies. Our societies are also being changed by the birth of new and the decline of old economic relationships and growth patterns, which can be understood within the framework of the knowledge economy that has its roots in innovation and communication. Our industries operate in new and exiting ways, or pass into oblivion depending on a raft of knowledge- and communication-related issues. At the base of many of these issues are policy; policies for competition, infrastructure development, privacy, security, and industry (to name just a few). |
| These are some of the big concerns that face us as we work, live, vote, pay taxes and invest. They create the world in which we will mature, grow old and see subsequent generations take over. Therefore, it is timely to bring experts together from around the world to present their ideas and understandings at a forum that demands the highest of standards while inviting a range of perspectives. It is time for “Connecting societies and markets: communication technology, policy and impacts”, the ITS 2004 Biennial Conference, Berlin. “Connecting societies and markets: communication technology, policy and impacts” is ambitious in its conception and will be exciting in its event. |
 |
 |
Loretta Anania (ITS chair) and Juergen Mueller (Conference chair) welcome you to Berlin. We welcome you to participate in the Biennial as a presenter, sponsor or session coordinator. Enquiries are welcome. To sponsor the conference, please contact Juergen. To submit a paper for presentation, please see our call for papers. To suggest or coordinate a session at the conference, please contact Lucy Firth (program coordinator) or Juergen. |
