The World Internet Project (WIP) Meeting 2009-Macao will be held at the STDM Auditorium, International Library of the University of Macau between July 8 and 10, 2009. Hosted by the Macao Internet Project, Department of Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Macau, it is the 10th meeting of the project that will bring the WIP partners, Internet researchers, industries and policy makers together to share their research results, exchange viewpoints and foster interaction and collaboration.

This year, the conference’ keynote speeches are being highlighted. They include Prof. William H. Dutton, Director of Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford on “A Tipping Point for the Internet and Policy: New Challenges Facing the World Wide Network of Networks”, Prof. Jeffrey Cole, Director of the Center for the Digital Future, USC Annenberg School, University of Southern California on “The Ever-Changing New Media User”, and Prof. Ke Huixin (Kay), Survey & Statistics Institute, Communication University of China on ‘Internet Usage, its Influence and the Methods and Evaluation Index System for the Internet’.

Meanwhile, a book entitled “World Wide Internet: Changing Societies, Economies and Cultures, co-edited by Gustavo Cardoso, Angus Cheong and Jeffrey Cole will be launched. The book addresses the role of Internet adoption and use in the context of social, economic and cultural transition in more than 20 countries and regions. Topics and themes range from Internet as a media to its political dimensions; from digital literacy to the use of Internet in daily routines; and from addiction and sociabilities to online content creation and sharing. Much of the themes addressed and conclusions reached could be helpful for other scholars and decision makers.

Program Highlights

Date

Program

July 8, Morning (09:30 – 12:30)

WIP Book Launch

Keynote Speeches (Prof. William Dutton, Prof. Jeffrey Cole, and Prof. Ke Huixin)

Invited guest speech from the Internet Industry

July 8, Afternoon (14:00 – 17:30)

Thematic Presentation I: Youth and Internet

Thematic Presentation II: Users and Non-Users of the Internet

July 9, Morning (09:30 – 12:45)

Thematic Presentation III: Worldwide Internet

Thematic Presentation IV: Internet Usage and Perceptions

July 9, Afternoon (14:15 – 15:00)

Thematic Presentation V: Perspectives & Directions for Internet Research

Currently, the WIP (http://www.worldinternetproject.net/) has research partners from 30 countries and regions. Their research covers more than three quarters of the total Internet Population in the World. The 2009 meeting will give them a momentum to gather in Macao after 10 years of collaboration. This is also a great opportunity for Macao to offer a platform for international views on Internet research. All interested parties are welcome.