The European Regional Information Society Association - eris@
The European Regional Information Society Association (eris@) has been established as a direct result of two European Commission pilot projects, the Inter-Regional Information Society Initiative (IRISI), launched in 1994, and the Regional Information Society Initiative (RISI), launched in 1996. The purpose of the Association is primarily to support and enhance regional economic development and social cohesion through the Information Society. In particular, the Association aims to assist member regions through: - The promotion of universal access to information and communications technologies (ICT)-based services and applications; - The enhancement of economic and social development by implementing new ICT-based applications and services; - The provision of a platform for the exchange of information and experience; - The provision of a forum to discuss policy relevant to regional development and the Information Society. Full membership of the Association is open to all European regions with an interest in the Information Society and who are committed to regional economic development and social cohesion through the Information Society. Membership from regions of Central and Eastern Europe is also welcomed. Expressions of interest from prospective eris@ members are now invited and full membership is expected to begin from 1 January 1999.