Workshop 2.2: Development and Technical Infrastructures

Coordinator: Gwawr Hughes

CASS, Cardiff University

Regional Co-ordinator, CIED Project

scsgh@cf.ac.uk

Premises and assumptions about culture and infrastructural prerequisites for economic development; can culture help to make technical infrastructures more accessible and in turn bring about access to human resources?
The illusion about technology is its universality when dissemination of information and use of technology does not bring acout necessarily cultural equality - rather a new type of multi-media illiterateness - what about the adaptation of production and business logistics to this cultural demand for equality as a prerequisite for social and economic cohesion?

Clarify what we mean by key terms Infrastructure, Culture, Technology
Link technology and culture to promote development, therefore employment
Relate culture to technology to promote inclusiveness and cohesion at all levels
Address issues of access to the opportunities offered by technologies
Understand the role of new forms of networks using technology

“Networking Sustainable, Creative Communities”

by Jesse Marsh, Atelier Studio Associato

Terminology
What do we mean by technology, networking, sustainability, creativity and communities?
Projects
Activities in the context of selected EU Projects to build networks of creative, sustainable communities.
Reflections
Some ideas on the new cultural topography of Europe and its implications.

Developing information systems within and between companies
Consultancy and support to small businesses in Macedonia and Leipzig
Promoting industrial heritage as a tourist resource through the Internet (INKA Project)
Cooperation between enviornmental groups and government and planning agencies
Studies to revitalise micro networks of artisan enterprises in the historical centre of Palermo
Analysis of street markets as socio-economic milieu and their potential for innovation
Social and urban environment of immigrant communities and means for integration into restauration programs

Governments should focus on promoting innovation, networks, and creative milieus
Mechanisms for self-governance of networks need to be explored
Issues of “haves / have nots” and “wants /don’t wants” need to be addressed creatively
Innovation needs to draw on diversity and embedded values
A creative “information society” is a key condition for sustainable development
The EU needs to recognise the role that new technologies can play in achieving balanced development and maximising the potential of its cultural diversity

Ποιειν Και Πραττειν - create and do