Introduction to the Workshop Session on “The Merging of Defence and Civilian Interests in Computer Communications”

Abstract

All of us here have a deep interest in the future of information technology. Many of us are actively working towards a future in which information technology will be a fundamental component of our society’s infrastructure. I am not sure whether we are already in the midst of a technological revolution; but the development of electronics, computing, and telecommunications is indeed bringing about changes in our industrial and social life, and it is particularly affecting the ways that our companies, corporations and government departments conduct their business. If we scientists, engineers and technologists are successful in developing and promoting the ideas that we are discussing at this Advanced Study Institute, there may indeed be a revolution, and we must bear some responsibility for the acceptability of the outcome.