Information society
Open Access
Open Access means immediate, permanent, free, free of charge and electronic access to scientific publications. Disproportional price increses by publishers, the big time difference between the submission and publication of an article, the enforced assignment of author's rights to the publishing houses and the restriction in disseminating research results are the main catalysts for the interest in Open Access.
The Internet of the future:
challenges and perspectives for Switzerland
During the last few years, the Internet has revolutionised our everyday's life. It has developed to an indispensable information and communication tool; the consumption and entertainment goods it offers correspond to a great, increasing demand. The project "The Internet of the future" examines the consequences of these developments for the individual at work, in the family, on his or her comsumer behaviour and during leisure time, and puts them forward for discussion.
Study "Localisation technologies"
Simplified localisation in an area, optimisation in the transport sector, accident assistance. Localisation technologies offer several advantages. The use of private geodata to marketing and surveillance purposes, however, is a more controversial issue. With this new study, TA-SWISS intends to identify the advantages of localisation technologies for the economy and society, while pointing out possible ethical, legal or societal problems that might arise thereof.
Project "Gaining of independence of the computer"
The continued progress in hardware components through miniaturisation, increased processing power, optimised energy supply, integrated sensor systems and capacity to act as well as high reliability put our society at the beginning of the era of "Things that think". Such dvelopments raise numerous societal, ethical, psychologic and legal questions, which need to be examined at an early stage and informed.
Does the Internet modify our democracy?
At the moment, the Internet plays only a subordinate role regarding direct democratic decision processes.
