The Faculty of Information Technology, Mathematics and Electrical Engineering (IME) at The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has an annual educational output of approximately 500 master students and 30 PhDs. The rapid pace of technological change impacts strongly on curricula and research. Technological change is also a key driver for changing the way we live, due to the deep penetration of computers in all realms of society. This impact on student recruitment, as well as on the relevance of research themes. The quality of our teaching depends on the quality and relevance of our research. In order to keep relevant we have to relate to future needs.

To this end the project InfoSam2020 has been established. The overall objective is to determine which knowledge profile our students should have in 2020, and the associated teaching and research. So we have to chart a course for the Faculty for the next 15-20 years. This may seem a long time, but it is not when we compare it to the 10 years it takes to set up high quality research in a new field.

The first step in the process is to explore the space of future possibilities, to describe possible technological changes and subsequent changes in our society. The next step comprises the charting of our course. The initial InfoSam2020 activity is a two-day seminar for exploring relevant features of the future information society, from now on until 2020.

The seminar will be arranged over two days during the spring of 2004, on two major themes, as outlined in the sequel. The first theme is devoted to the use of "intelligent" artifacts in various realms of human endeavor. The second theme is devoted to enabling technologies, in particular within the fields of mathematics, ICT and electrical engineering. The attendants will be scientific staff at the Faculty, invited representatives from Norwegian industry, public administration and government, and from other parts of the university.

InfoSam2020 is arranged in cooperation with The Norwegian Board of Technology, an independent body for technology assessment and foresight established by the Norwegian Government in 1999. The Board aims to assess impacts and options of technology in all areas of society; to stimulate public debate on technology; and to support the political decision-making process and shaping of technological change. Insights from InfoSam2020 will be thus be presented by the Board to relevant political authorities.

The Norwegian Board of Technology has an extensive competence in participatory methods in technology assessment and foresight. At InfoSam2020, NBT staff will facilitate the workshop on day two, and play a key role in involving other participants and disciplines in the follow-up of the conference.

Contact person, at the Norwegian Board of Technology, is:
project manager Jon Fixdal, jon.fixdal@teknologiradet.no