G7 PILOT PROJECTS 
G7 members along with the European Commission decided to take the opportunity offered by the Ministerial Conference being held in Brussels on February 25-26 to identify a number of selected pilot-projects where international cooperation could be an asset. These projects would aim at demonstrating the potential of the Information Society and stimulate its deployment. The projects will be initially undertaken by the partners but are meant to be open. The participation of other partners, including international organisations, is encouraged.
1 - PRINCIPLES
The main principles guiding the selection and implementation of the theme projects are the following :
- have clear added-value for the development of the Information Society by :
. increasing the effectiveness of information exchange,
. launching common actions
. initiating cooperation at a global level
- give meaning and content to the concept of Information Society for the citizen, taking into account cultural and linguistic diversity
- stimulate cooperation amongst different players : industry, academia, administrations, public authorities, etc.
- avoid the creation of new bureaucracy or institutions
- have as a general rule any expense covered by existing programs
- have included open access as an integral part of its design.
- are open to non-G-7 countries as well as public and private organisations, including international organisations and standardisation bodies.
2 - THE ELEVEN PILOT-PROJECTS
Project 1 - Global Inventory
To create and provide an electronically accessible multimedia inventory of information regarding major national and international projects and studies relevant to the promotion and to the development of the global information society. An assessment of social, economic and cultural factors impacting on its development will also be undertaken. Progress report
Project 2 - Global Interoperability for Broadband Networks
To facilitate the establishment of international links between the various high speed networks and testbeds supporting advanced applications. Progress report
Project 3 - Cross-Cultural Training and Education
To provide innovative approaches to language learning in particular for students and for SME'S. Progress report
Project 4 - Electronic Libraries
To constitute from existing digitisation programs a large distributed virtual collection of knowledge of mankind, available to a large public, via networks. This includes a clear perspective toward the establishment of the global electronic library network which interconnects local electronic libraries. Progress report
Project 5 - Electronic Museums and Galleries
To accelerate the multimedia digitisation of collections and to ensure their accessibility to the public and as a leaning resource for schools and universities. Progress report
Projet 6 - Environment and Natural Resources Management
To increase the electronic linkage and integration of distributed databases of information relevant to the environment. Progress report
Projet 7 -Global Emergency Management
To encourage the development of a global management information network to enhance the management of emergency response situations, risks and knowledge. Progress report
Project 8 - Global Healthcare Applications
To demonstrate the potential of telematics technologies in the field of telemedicine in the fight against major health scourges; to promote joint approaches to issues such as the use of data cards, standards and other enabling mechanisms. Progress report
Project 9 - Government On-line
To exchange experience and best practice on the use of on-line information technology by administrations on the establishment of procedures for conducting electronic administrative business between govemments, companies and citizens. Progress report
Project 10 - Global Marketplace for SME's
To contribute to the development of an environment for open and non-discriminatory exchange of information and to demonstrate, particularly through EDI, the interoperability of electronic and information co-operation and trading services on a global scale, for the benefits of SME'S.
Project 11 - Maritime Information Systems
To integrate and enhance environmental protection and industrial competitiveness for all maritime activities by means of information and communication technologies including applications in the area of safety and the environment, intelligent manufacturing and logistics networks. Progress report