This book examines the role of research and the production of knowledge in the information society, with special emphasis on developing areas of the world. It contains current and cutting-edge technologies and trends in the utilization of information technology for science and engineering. It examines science, technology, and engineering in the origin and development of the Internet. The book is based on a three day conference that immediately precedes the second phase of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), in Tunisia (November 2005). It is designed for a professional audience, composed of researchers and practitioners in industry. This book is also suitable for graduate-level students in computer science, engineering and sociology.

Past, Present and Future of Research in the Information Society examines the role of research and the production of knowledge in the information society, with special emphasis on developing areas of the world. Core issues of the book lie at the intersection of computer science and engineering, information and communication technologies, the World Wide Web, and development.

Topics include: understanding the digital divide in science and engineering; devising specific programs designed to reduce this divide; accounting for the informational challenges presented in an environment with many world leaders and policy makers present; and examining the relationships between academic, government, civil society, and the private sector that brought about the development of today's information society.

This volume is based on a three-day conference connected with the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). This work is designed for a professional audience, composed of researchers and practitioners in industry. This book is also suitable for graduate-level students in computer science, engineering and sociology.