ETO Home Contents Search Telework Teletrade Telecooperation Events Links Definitions FAQs Discussion Feedback Site Management   Page updated: 12 September 1998 Page owner: David J. Skyrme

ETD News - December 1998 Page 1 of 3 ETD News Editorial The main reports in this edition are of successful events all helping to promote the beneficial uptake of telework. First is a report on Telework `98: The Fifth European Assembly on Telework and New Ways of Working, held at the end of September in Lisbon. There is also extensive coverage of events across Europe during the fourth European Telework Week (ETW `98), which ran from 2-9 November 1998. As the uptake of teleworking increases, it is easy to forget that it takes careful consideration of work arrangements if this mode of work is to improve overall organizational performance. The many cases described and practical situations demonstrated during ETW `98 have some clear messages about what it takes to succeed. Space considerations mean that ETD News can give only an overview of the opportunities and challenges of new ways of working. We encourage you to visit the European Telework Online web site http://www.eto.org.uk for more detailed descriptions of the many facets of telework and pointers to more comprehensive resources. David Skyrme, Editor, ETD News. Policy Perspectives from Lisbon Fifth European Assembly on Telework and New Ways of Working This conference represented the fifth in the series devoted to strategic and policy issues surrounding telework and new ways of work. Held in Lisbon from the 23-25 September, over 350 senior policy makers and telework practitioners met to discuss the issues and put forward perspectives and views of the future. The theme of the conference was "Rediscover Life ... Be there from anywhere". Topics discussed included new organisational arrangements, opportunities enabled by telework for disadvantaged groups such as the disabled, and the wider perspectives of the information society. Noticeable about this year's conference was the wider range of participants, with attendees and speakers from Eastern and Central Europe, Japan, Canada, Brazil and the USA. The conference plenary session had a strong Portuguese contingent that included Eduardo Rodriques (Minister of Labour and Solidarity), José Lello (Secretary of State of the Portuguese Communities), Marian Ago (Minister of Science and Technology) and Vincente Collada (Deputy Director General of DGXIII of the European Commission). They set the scene, showing how telework was playing an increasingly important role in creating flexible work practices that could benefit economies and society as a whole. During the second day there were five parallel work streams: Towards a New Work Society Telemedicine Social Integration Opportunities for people with Special Needs Technological framework supporting Telework. New Work Organisation Although much of the ground covered was quite familiar to attendees of earlier congresses, there was a strong international flavour and future oriented vision. The next annual Assembly will be held in Aarhus, Denmark, from 22-24 September 1999. And on to the Sixth.... Announcing Telework '99, the 6th European Assembly on Telework and New Ways of Working. 22-24 September 1999. "Making telework work for all" Telework is now affecting all work and all of society. There is a need to ensure that we all benefit; no one, no group, no location must be left out. This is part of the Danish way of doing things - the Danish model. Consequently, Telework '99 in Aarhus will focus on two broad themes: New ways of working and quality of life, family and community. These are typical Danish concerns, alongside social inclusion and environmental sustainability, which are essential in a prosperous and democratic human-centred Information Society. The business case for telework in the new Network Economy. For example, Denmark is home to many gazelles: new, small, rapidly growing and changing firms (often as virtual organisations), where telework and electronic commerce are taken for granted. Be part of the celebration at the end of a momentous millennium, and take an informed and challenging look at the next one. Telework `99 will continue the excellent tradition of European Assemblies: building upon the successes of Berlin, Rome, Vienna, Stockholm and Lisbon. It is being organised by Tele Danmark in association with the host city of Aarhus and the European Commission's Directorate General XIII. For further information contact: Tele Danmark Consult, P.O. Box 2245, DK-8660 Viby J, Denmark Tel.: +45 86 28 64 55 Fax: +45 86 28 64 99 Email: mail@telework99.dk Telework '99 website: http://www.telework99.dk European Telework Development (ETD) is an initiative supported by the European Commission (DGXIII) as part of the Advanced Communications Technologies and Services (ACTS) programme. European Telework Development News Editor: David Skyrme E-mail: david@skyrme.com Tel/Fax: +44 1635 551434 Web: http://www.eto.org.uk/etd/news/index.htm Read The Next Page Return To Contents List