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Introduction
The aim of this brochure is to illustrate the integration and multi-disciplinarity of today's research as managed by Directorate D of DG Information Society & Media.
What used to be singular research objectives leading to singular results and inventions have now become part of an interwoven research fabric leading to a constant stream of innovation.What were once isolated technological objectives are now embedded in an intelligent networking infrastructure that brings clear benefits to European businesses, consumers and society.
The expectations of the users have, and will continue, to evolve, notably inline with demographic trends. Increasingly, society demands more from technology: users shift to technology acceptance only if it delivers a compelling experience - quickly, without complex operations, training or familiarisation. Hiding complexity, increased levels of integration of hard- and software, increased intelligence in tools and devices, and networks will be the key to unlock future success. One aspect becoming particularly important is the blurring of the service boundaries between distinct vertical, integrated networks (e.g. telecommunications, computing, entertainment).
Communication and access to content and services in a converged world are becoming possible through an increasing variety of fixed and mobile devices and terminals whose enhanced functionality delivers value to users anywhere and anytime. Interoperability and open standards in such a context become a key issue for value creation and solution provisioning across technologies, services, tools and devices.
The pace of technological development being unstoppable, we have to imagine the world of tomorrow as a place where a myriad of networked devices will be generating, consuming and relaying data, leading to unprecedented changes in business processes and in our life in society.
Converged large-scale co-operative networks will carry phenomenal quantities of traffic at speeds orders of magnitude beyond today's capabilities, and bring about increased complexities in terms of service provisioning and management. Major breakthroughs in software engineering will be required to allow the required levels of service adaptability and self-reconfiguration, dynamic spectrum technologies will be proposed that will result in enhanced levels of spectrum efficiency usage.
Disruptive technologies such as RFID are only the beginning of what could become a smart ambient intelligence embracing our planet.
In parallel with this prospective explosion of devices, an explosion of user-generated content is in the making, which will critically call upon a radical change in the existing value chains.The digitallyenabled home of the future becoming the hub of our networked world, will bring about unprecedented changes in the components and architecture of the communications infrastructure.
But equally, how will citizens' basic rights and needs for privacy be handled in such a future? What about the stability and vulnerability of such networks of devices? These questions are being addressed as part of the technological research supported by successive European research and technological development programmes.
Inevitably, technological challenges will have to be paired with societal challenges in terms of take-up of innovation and the evolution of society with technology. Citizens will enjoy enhanced levels of service and comfort in both market and public services; enterprises will enjoy enhance levels of productivity and technological leadership in an increasingly global economy.
This brochure is a testimony of the RTD efforts in place in Europe and of their potential to master and shape our collective future.
| Read or download the General brochure (PDF, 1.644KB) |
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This book is one of a series of six which correspond to the six strategic objectives:
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| Paper copies | A limited number of printed copies are available (the pack includes the introduction and all six specific booklets). If you wish to receive copies please send us an email mentioning the key word INFSO.D Brochure, the number of copies and the address. |