ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the research project, explains the methodology that was used, and elaborates on the case studies. It introduces the case studies of Eindhoven, Helsinki, Manchester, Marseilles and The Hague. The public building serves to disseminate innovations in the information and communications technologies (ICTs) and new media, bring technology closer to the people, and improve contact between technology developers and users. The chapter focuses on how ICT offers new opportunities for both economic and social regeneration, and how urban management seizes them. It describes and evaluates regional policies to further the ICT cluster. The chapter addresses the question how ICT can contribute to the inclusion of less favoured groups into the information society, and shows some examples of projects in Manchester in this field. The chapter also presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in this book.
