L4D Learning for Democracy

" Editor’s Note
Time flies - we are already reaching the end of 2012 and we find ourselves publishing our 8th Newsletter.
The Newsletter was one of the first initiatives I took in 2008 to widen the communication channels of the IS Unit. Today, it is distributed to more than 2,300 subscribers. Taking stock of our research output in this issue and looking towards challenges and objectives for 2013, I think we can be pleased with our work and optimistic for the future.
I urge you to read this issue which contains our usual mix of policy relevant research reports and information on our workshops and conferences. For instance, we tell you about a very successful and well reported Media and Content Industry Conference that we held this autumn. We also give an overview of our report on "ICT R&D in the EU and beyond - 2012"; which has been made available, for the first time, as a navigable e-book on our website (we do not intend to print paper copies though we do provide a downloadable pdf). In addition, we must mention that our research into Behavioural Economics, and its role as an important tool for the future, is already starting to bear fruit and provide useful inputs to policy.
There are many other articles in this issue; and - rather than trying to tempt you with an overview - I encourage you to read them in full, as I think the topics covered merit a more detailed explanation.
However, I can't let the moment pass without pointing out that we have just launched the "Information Society Collaborative Science Portal". This is a new Web2.0 tool that has the potential to dramatically change the way we do our research collaboration and communication. Over the coming months, dedicated communities will be launched through this portal to discuss and contribute to our current research...."