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At the European Telework Online website Introducing: The Work, Information Society and Employment Forum (W.I.S.E. Forum) The forum is holding a briefing in Brussels on 6 November 1998. The W.I.S.E. Forum is an independent private, non-profit making international association. It's formation has been assisted by the European Commission through the ACTS Project AC222 "DIPLOMAT: The European Charter for Telework" and with support from other ACTS projects (particularly ETD and ACTSLINE). Aims and Objectives To provide an informed, neutral environment for people concerned with employment, including national, regional and local government, trade unions, employers, trade associations and social partners, to debate work and employment aspects of the Information Society. To develop policy advice for government, employers and other market actors on the future socio-economic developments of the Information Society. To act independently in all aspects of information gathering, research, conclusions and advice. To be international; inviting research, contributions and participation from people and organisations throughout the world, reflecting the importance of global and trans-border aspects of telework and tele-business. To receive and respond to feedback and information from major organisations, political and industrial leaders and informed individuals from around the World. Services provided by the W.I.S.E. Forum include: International and inter-institutional platform for social dialogue and for discussion and evaluation of national and international - in particular: European - employment programmes and initiatives Facilitate consensus building on labour relations and work organisation as relevant issues of the transition towards the Information Society Checklists, guidelines and other practical tools for the implementation of telework and other flexible work methods Studies and empirical data production, publications, support to communication networks, training and educational materilas and activities W.I.S.E. development The W.I.S.E. Forum builds on achievements of DIPLOMAT (1996-1998) and will extend selected aspects of the work that has gained 600+ high level supporters - including Cabinet Ministers, CEOs and Board Members of very influential companies - for the European Charter for Telework. Mr Lacina, former Minister for Finance in the Austrian government, has agreed to be the first President of the Forum. He will invite key people from the list of 600+ influential signatories to the European Charter for Teleworking to become Partners, Members, or Sponsors of the Forum and take an active role. W.I.S.E. will invite Strategic Partners from around the world, predominantly from European Member States and also from America and the Pacific Rim. The intention is for Strategic Partners to stimulate the exchange of professional information and data, contribute to the W.I.S.E. consensus actions, via our website (operating from November 1998 at http://www.wise-forum.org), workshops, conferences and publicity, and to provide guidance and advice to the Forum. Earlier results, issues for further research, and the outline of The W.I.S.E. Forum are presented in the book "Work and Employment in the Information Society", WI.S.E. Report, Vol. 1, edited by Josef Hochgerner and Ferdinand Lacina, Vienna (Sept. 1998; ISBN 3-900782-36-9); respondents to this invitation to the W.I.S.E. presentation in Brussels (Nov. 6) will receive a copy free of charge immediately by post. Use this form to register for "W.I.S.E. meets Business" Contact The W.I.S.E. Forum - General Secretariat Centre for Social Innovation; Hettenkofergasse 13/45; A-1160 Vienna, Austria Tel: +43 1 4950442; Fax: +43 1 4950442-40 Email: j.hochgerner@magnet.at This announcement is hosted at the European Telework Online website To keep up to date with European and other developments in telework, electronic commerce and telecooperation, join the European Telework Online discussion or announcements lists. For helpful information about telework and related topics see our Telework pages and our pages of Frequently Asked Questions. For links to information about telework in different countries, including some countries outside the European Union, see the National Pages at this site.