Report of the WSIS academia research network brainstorming workshop, 9-11 June 2004 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

A nation's ability to fully develop an Information Society depends on the capacity of its people to be educated, to assimilate, and to process complex information. In this context,higher education institutions play a critical role, whilst re-positioning themselves for the challenges of globalization and the information age. Worldwide, academic communities have been part of a driving force in creating the Information Society, including spearheading intellectual leadership through a series of knowledge-building activities. They constitute a tremendous reservoir of expertise that could provide vital assistance working with governments, private sector and civil society in an increasingly globalized and complex world.