MB-NET: A network of excellence in mobile business applications and services

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 02.0259

Key words (English)

Economic Aspects; Information Processing; Information Systems; Scientific Research

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: IST-2001-39164

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 5. Frame Research Programme - 1.2.2 New methods of work and electronic commerce

Short description (English)

See abstract

Further information (English)

Full name of research-institution/enterprise:
Universität St. Gallen
Institut für Medien- und Kommunikationsmanagement

Abstract (English)

The objective of MB-NET is to systematically investigate the future of mBusiness by identifying research challenges, formulating policy recommendations, and providing strategic roadmaps on a 5-year horizon, through a robust methodological approach pursued by an independent discursive forum consisting of industry and research leaders that collectively represent excellence in mBusiness across Europe. MB-NET will synthesise the joint expertise of its 26 founding members in order to assist the European Commission in identifying the most effective allocation of public RTD funding on mBusiness within the 6th Framework Programme for Research and Technology Development. Being a Thematic Network, MB-NET will not attempt to provide answers regarding the future of mBusiness applications and services, but will focus on identifying, through a rigorous and comprehensive methodological approach, the right questions that need to be addressed for future focused Research and Technology Development.

Work description:
The main requirement behind the MB-NET approach is the identification and pursuit of a rigorous and comprehensive methodological approach in order to overcome the difficulties associated with our objective to reach informed conclusions about a future that is inherently difficult to predict and impossible to prescribe.

To this end, four methodological requirements have seen set: (a) Methodological Robustness, which is satisfied through the execution of a survey on technological trends in the area of next-generation networks and services and intensive national workshops; (b) Condensed Time Frame, which is encapsulated in a 12-month project, strengthened by a robust sustainability plan to prepare the future of the network after the end of the EC funding period; (c) Effective Project Management, which is ensured through a two-level architecture of network membership (partners and members); (d) Awareness Focus, which is satisfied through presentation of MB-NET results in key IST events (Prague and Copenhagen).

The MB-NET workplan has been designed to fit excellently to the satisfaction of these requirements through four Work Packages:
WP1. Project Management
WP2. Roadmaps for Next Generation Networks and Services
WP3. Roadmaps for mBusiness Applications and Services
WP4. Dissemination and Constituency Building.

Milestones:
Milestone 1 (month 3): Draft White Paper
Milestone 2 (month 4): D2.1 Report (Draft Roadmap)
Milestone 3 (month 8): D2.2 Report (User Feedback)
Milestone 4 (month 12): D2.3 Final Roadmap
Milestone 5 (month 12): Final White Paper.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 02.0259