The conference provides a forum to present and discuss research results, policy plans, and new research problems and approaches.

• The future of the computer

Computers will become faster and more powerful. They will also become much smaller and be integrated in all objects in our environment. Everything around us and in us will have computer power.

• The future of the internet

The internet will grow and become more interactive. It will not only connect computers, but also things, tools... and perhaps brains. Most objects (and human beings?) will be directly online.

• The future of the relation between the virtual and the real

User interfaces will become more intuitive and natural. They may also disappear to the extent that the real and the virtual will merge.

• The future of ICT for human security

Security is a social priority. Developments in ICT may become the best protection as well as the worst threat.

Context

• New developments in ICT

Industry, R&D, European and national science policy authorities actively promote and guide the new developments in ICT, expecting to contribute to the economy and the quality of life.

Analysts of ethical, socio-economic, and legal aspects (ESLA) of science, accept the invitation to help to clarify what is going on.

• Biotechnology and biomedicine

For more than 30 years, industry, R&D, science policy authorities and ESLA analysts accumulated experience in dealing with powerful developments in biotechnology and biomedicine.

Stakeholders in ICT can learn from successes and failures in dealing with biotechnology and biomedicine.

Who should attend?

• Strategic thinkers and planners in the field of science and technology
• Researchers in ICT
• Researchers in ethical, socio-economic, and legal aspects (ESLA) of science
• Decision makers and advisors in industry and public policy
• Experts and other stakeholders involved in the development or analysis of biotechnology, biomedicine or other strategic developments.