Google is funding a research institute for Internet and society in Berlin, in order to facilitate interdisciplinary analysis of the Internet and its influence on the information society.
Four German research institutions have joined Google to establish the institute, including Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin University of the Arts and the Social Science Research Centre Berlin, and in close collaboration with the Hans-Bredow-Institute, in Hamburg.
“The institute is meant as an enabling environment for an open debate and fruitful discussion of the many questions arising from the leading role that new technologies play in the context of the global information society,” says a statement on the institute's beta Web site.
The Internet and Society Institute is expected to begin operating in October, and will centre on research and deliberation on the culture and practice of Internet-based innovation, Internet policy and legal aspects.
“Web-based innovations cause a variety of social, economic and political transformations,” says Google. “These demand interdisciplinary research carried out in a specialised centre of excellence.
“While Germany is already the home to many world-class researchers, the Internet and Society Institute will give the community a space to exchange and learn from each other, and to tap into the insights of other stakeholders from civil society, business and politics.”
Google adds: “The point at which the Internet and society intersect is fascinating. Seeing different perspectives and understanding cultural nuances is critical to how we develop our services.”
Google has also extended an invitation to other academics and institutions to offer their ideas and expertise, and has created a form for cooperation inquiries and also set up a Google Moderator that can be used to pose questions and offer suggestions for the future development of the institute.
“The Internet is changing society. And it's also true that society is changing the Internet, through the choices we all make on the Web every day,” says Google.
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