Understanding e-futures
The following information provides a number of different sources of information to help you think about the implications and impact of e-futures.

WHO	Consumer Gateway site
WHERE	http://www.consumers.gov.uk
WHAT	A one-stop shop for identifying public and private sector sources of consumer advice on how to safely shop electronically.
WHO	DTI: Information Society Initiative
WHERE	Buckingham Palace Road London SW1W 9SS +44 (0) 151 171 215 1553 http://www.isi.gov.uk/isi
WHAT	This DTI initiative provides business with important advice on using Information and Communication Technologies. Free publications, CD ROMS and case studies are available through the site. Details of local ISI centres, where businesses can get hands-on experience of using technology and find specific business advice, are listed.
WHO	DTI: Information Age Partnership
WHERE	DTI Enquiry Unit 1 Victoria Street London SW1H 0ET +44 (0) 207 215 5000 Textphone (for enquirers with hearing impairments, using Textphone - compatible equipment only): 020 7215 6740. Email: dti.enquiries@imsu.dti.gov.uk
WHAT	This comprehensive site provides an overview on e-commerce and looks at businesses in the information age. It also offers guidance and advice to businesses.
WHO	DTI Performance and Innovation Unit (PIU)
WHERE	PIU Horse Guards Road London SW1P 3AL telephone+44 (0) 207 270 6598 email: PIU@cabinet-office.gov.uk http://www.cabinet-office.gov.uk
WHAT	The Performance and Innovation Unit was set up by the Prime Minister Tony Blair in July 1998. Its aim is to improve the capacity of Government to address strategic and cross-cutting issues and promote innovation in the development of policy ad I the delivery of the Government's objectives. The first phase of PIU projects were announced in December 1998 and this included 'Developing Electronic Commerce in the UK - how to make the UK the world's best environment for electronic commerce, ensuring that the UK benefits fully from the single fastest growing marketplace in the global economy'. In September 1999 the PIU published its report: e-commerce@its.best.uk at http://www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/innovation
WHO	European Design Innovations Ltd
WHERE	4a Canberra House London Road St Albans Hertfordshire AL1 1LE +44 (0) 1727 837874 http://www.designdirectory.co.uk
WHAT	Directory of Design Consultants The internet based directory includes information about design consultants involved with industrial, ergonomics, engineering, graphic, internet, fashion and fashion textiles, interior textiles and interior design. It incorporates A-Z name listings and a search facility. A free recommendation service for industry and commerce is also available.
WHO	First Tuesday
WHERE	http://www.firsttuesday.com
WHAT	This large, international network brings together entrepreneurs and venture capitalists involved in developing internet start-up businesses. It also provides a e-forum and organises events in London and eight other cities across Europe.
WHO	Foresight - making the future work for you
WHERE	http://www.foresight.gov.uk
WHAT	The purpose of Foresight is to: develop visions of the future - looking at possible future needs, opportunities and threats and deciding what should be done now to make sure that we are ready for these challenges; build bridges between business, science and government, bringing together the knowledge and expertise of many people across all areas and activities; in order to increase national wealth and quality of life. The UK Foresight programme was launched in 1994 following a major review of Government science, engineering and technology policy. In 1995 the first set of visions and recommendations for action were published, followed by four years of development and implementation. A new round of Foresight began on 1 April 1999. The UK Foresight programme is managed by the Office of Science and Technology in the Department of Trade and Industry.
WHO	Netherlands Design Institue
WHERE	http://www.design-inst.nl
WHAT	Connectivity project The consequences for design of the Internet, connectivity, and new communication technologies, are a central focus of the Institute. It tackles the design challenge of interactive multimedia and networks. A new generation of small companies-spanning design, software, and production-is beginning to stretch the envelope of online and multimedia development. They design network templates and typographical styles, and train the client's personnel. And they do all this at breakneck speed. The Institute organises workshops in which these pioneering multidisciplinary companies meet to exchange experiences.
WHO	International Data Corporation
WHERE	http://www.idc.com
WHAT	IDC delivers dependable, relevant, and high-impact data and insight on information technology to help organizations make sound business and technology decisions. IDC forecasts worldwide IT markets and technology trends and analyzes IT products and vendors, using a combination of rigorous primary research and in-depth competitive analysis.
WHO	Jupiter Communications Inc.
WHERE	http://www.jup.com
WHAT	Jupiter Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:JPTR) is a leading provider of research on Internet commerce. Jupiter's research, which is solely focused on the Internet economy, provides clients with comprehensive views of industry trends, forecasts and best practices.
WHO	The Online Research Agency
WHERE	http:// www.profound.com/info/sources/researchline/ora.html
WHAT	The Online Research Agency produces a growing range of market research reports about the Internet, primarily in Western Europe, the US, and Central & Eastern Europe.