Research infrastructure (RI) refers to a large and complex science research facility or system that conducts top-level science activities. In recent years, there has been a tendency toward geographical concentration of RIs and formation of RI clusters. Some of these RI clusters have become engines for regional social and economic development. It turns out that RI clusters present a new stage fo...

The paper builds on the experience of the authors in preparing an extended impact assessment for the INSPIRE initiative of the European Commission, to discuss the methods deployed and their appropriateness, and reflect then on the gaps in existing knowledge relating to spatial data infrastructures (SDIs), and some of the apparent missing linkages between the development of these infrastructures...

outh Korea (hereafter referred to as Korea) has often been cited as a successful case of economic development. Just four decades ago, Korea’s social infrastructure, including school facilities, were devastated because of the Korean War, and the GNP per capita was only US$79. However, as of 2000, Korea’s GDP stood at US$457.4 billion, the twelfth largest in the world. Education has been one of t...

An information-starved society is limited in its social and economic development. It follows that a society which is not geographically aware or “spatially enabled” is deprived of the ability to effectively plan. The need for accurate spatial information for planning and monitoring of present activities and ensuring sustainable future development has led to the concept and development of spatia...