NetFutures 2017

We are going through a technological revolution that will fundamentally change the way we live, work, and relate to one another. This transformation led by Internet, its scale, scope, and complexity, will be unlike anything humans have experienced before. We do not know where exactly this ‘internetisation’ will lead us to: What will our society look like in 2027?

However one thing we know: People simply expect a lot more from the Internet, in terms of quality and reach, in terms of security and privacy, an Internet that is inclusive and supports openness, diversity and responds to the needs of the individuals.

We feel that not all European policy actors share this sense of urgency for action. However it is imperative to address these challenges or Europe’s voice on the future of the Internet will disappear.

The NET FUTURES edition in 2017 will serve as a wake-up call for policy makers and technologist alike, for civil society and the young whose future we will influence. It will be the place for deep-dive conversations and learnings right at a time when Europe is at the brink of entering the next industrial revolution: The Net.

The theme of this year’s conference is “Internet, the economy and society in 2027” and it will focus on future policies to address emerging issues and trends, from the perspective of citizens, users and businesses.

With the mid-term review of the Digital Single Market strategy due to be published shortly, it is an excellent opportunity to reflect upon and sharpen the goals to be addressed by Europe.

The conference will offer diverse topics for debate and insight, and the occasion to reflect on current issues such as:

• the industrial internet
• the need for a free flow of data within Europe
• legal ethical and social issues emerging within a software-defined world
• the requirements of a Next Generation Internet
• data protection issues in a world with huge amounts of data
• mobile connectivity

Net Futures 2017 is a dynamic forum for cutting edge conversation. Registration will open soon.

The discussion at Net Futures 2017 on Next Generation Internet will follow shortly after the Next Generation Internet Summit to be held in the European Parliament on 6–7 July. More details will follow on this event, for which a public consultation will be launched on 18 April (see http://www.eismd.eu/reisearch/initiative-on-next-generation-internet/ ).

Stay tuned by following us on @netfuturesEU #netfutures17