The IPTS report
The European Commission, DG XII, has launched the first issue of a new monthly report to be published by the JRC Institute for Prospective Technological Studies (IPTS). Entitled "The IPTS Report", the publication is intended to provide technical and economic information on issues of relevance to decision makers. It also aims to stimulate debate among the parties concerned, exploring the possible socio-economic impact of S&T developments, and focusing on salient issues, such as their expected impact on employment and competitiveness. The report is the most visible product of the IPTS's Technology Watch activities and it is hoped that it will provide a valuable, neutral platform for facilitating dialogue and debate on issues of relevance to the European scientific community. It has been produced in collaboration with the European Science and Technology Observatory Network (ESTO). A seven-edition introductory series of "The IPTS Report" will run until September 1996. During this period, feedback and comments will be invited from readers with a view to shaping and fine-tuning the report in light of demand. "The IPTS Report" will be published ten times a year, on a monthly basis (with the exception of January and August), and is presently available in four languages (English, French, German and Spanish).