We tend to think that the internet is more or less finished. It is not. It has nowhere near realised its potential with regard to the number of people on line and the number and quality of applications and services it supports. The internet can help us solve problems in fields like care, the environment and education - but only if internet connections remain open and if we manage to ensure a trusted system of electronic communication. People need to be empowered to use these tools for the benefit of themselves and those around them. These issues deserve serious discussion. The Netherlands is well connected electronically, yet we struggle with these topics and do not have all the answers.

For the 2008 OECD Ministerial Conference on "The Future of the Internet Economy" in Seoul, South-Korea (see www.oecd.org/futureinternet) RAND Europe compiled The Future of the Internet Economy; a Discussion Paper on Critical Issues. The document provides a basis for a continuous exchange of ideas relevant for current and future policy making in response to the challenges posed by the emerging Internet economy. It addresses emerging trends and underlying values and the possible role of governments in dealing with the unfolding Internet economy. The exchange of thoughts is continued at European level, amongst others at the Future of the Internet Conference in Prague (May 2009). 

Invitation to an exchange of thoughts

We hope that the discussion paper The Future of the Internet Economy and the booklet The Internet: A Shared Future trigger your thoughts and encourages you to take part in the exchange of ideas and constructing the internet of the future policy agenda. We appreciate your comments on futureinternet@minez.nl.