Offside
Limelight

Nuno Cruz, Ricardo André and Luís Seca

Free Nonsense

"I know that INESC Porto offers great competencies and facilities in OFS; this means that we can develop the best sensor configurations and interrogation techniques for the sensing platforms...", Mohammad Zibaii

Have your say

"The relaxed atmosphere, spirit of mutual aid and the exchange of scientific knowledge between colleagues at INESC Porto are all positive factors for me, but it was the projects I have been involved in that have really contributed to my scientific development...", Lucian Ciobanu

Gallery of the Uncommon

Following the analysis of the aesthetics of breasts, the researchers at INESC Porto have turned their attention to the pelvic region. The project is called BioPelvic and consists of a vaginometer which is not to be confused with any other mileage meter. This is a phallic device with sensors and yes ladies, there is a wireless version.

Jobs 4 the Boys & Girls

In this section, the reader may find reference to public announcements made by INESC Porto offering grants, contracts and other opportunities of the same kind.

Biptoon

More scenes of how life goes merrily on...

 
 

INESC Porto supports the adoption of the Digital Local Agenda in European Regions

INESC Porto supports the adoption of the Digital Local Agenda in European Regions

INESC Porto is supporting the adoption and implementation of the Digital Local Agenda (DLA) in Europe. The DLA aims to improve living conditions for citizens through eInclusion strategies for local populations using ICT and with the support of civil servants in order to improve infrastructures, eGovernance and eInclusion.

The DLA, approved in 2007, was launched within the scope of the EISCO conferences (European Information Society Conference) to answer the European Union’s i2010 strategy for eInclusion in local administration. Through the Cracow Declaration, the strategy outlined ten objectives for the continuous development of eGovernment platforms. The challenges presented by this declaration include total access to online services, awareness of eInclusion, security and privacy, motivation for online participation, the development of eGovernance, the implementation of digital ecosystems and training centres, increasing competitiveness and Public sector-Private sector partnerships, Open Source technology resources, training for civil servants, work incentives and digital solidarity. 

The CEMSDI project (Civil-servant Empowerment for Multi Media Service Delivery ICT-enabled) is an important part of the Digital Local Agenda. The project aims to support the establishment of eInclusion and eGovernance policies and empower civil servants, and other professionals in the service supply chain, in areas where eExclusion is more widespread.

CEMSDI is running pilots in five countries (Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain and the UK) that are aimed at groups in risk of eExclusion and its overall objective is to modernise the organisation of public administration and provide effective local services and eGovernance.

The project will focus on Local Governments with 8,000 inhabitants or less where the digital divide seems to be more prevalent. The competencies of civil servants and administration systems in these areas are crucial to implementing eInclusion policies.

Rui Barros, a researcher at INESC Porto, is leading the Community of Practice for the Digital Local Agenda which aims to bring together specialists in DLA and eGovernance and interested parties to encourage the exchange of knowledge and practices and promote the DLA in Europe.