Sir Tim Berners-Lee (the guy who really "invented" the internet) recently spoke at Rensellaer Polytechnique Institute (RPI) in Troy NY. TBL was at Rensellaer to keynote the launch of the Tetherless World Research Constellation. A research initiative focused on understanding the internet from both the computer science and social aspects. He had this to say:
"The World Wide Web changed the ways people work, play, communicate, collaborate, and educate. But without new research aimed at understanding the current, evolving and potential Web, we may miss or delay opportunities for new and revolutionary capabilities.
To model the Web, to understand the architectural principles that have provided for its growth, and to ensure it supports the basic social values of trustworthiness, personal control over information, and respect for social boundaries, then we must pursue a research agenda that targets the Web and its use as a primary focus of attention."
The concept of a research project that focuses on the internet like this is very compelling to me. Particularly the idea that internet startups are like petri dishes. Little experiments whose results inform how people use the internet, what form people want the internet to take, what the technological possibilities are, as well as what entrepreneurs think people might want.
At one point I was considering pursuing a thesis topic somewhere along these lines. I am still very interested...
Full article @: http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/startups_social_science.php
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