The ZSI applies socio-scientific research, education, advisory and networking services to reduce the gap between social needs and potentials of the knowledge based information society. By connecting its scientific basis with practical applications the ZSI provides an interface across scientific disciplines and sectors (trans-disciplinarity). Work in transdisciplinary projects is geared towards policies concerning research, technological and social development, innovation processes, and four particular socio-economic objectives, namely to: · Support a socially, ecologically and economically sustainable development of the Information Society · Facilitate social, cultural and economic integration in Europe · Participate in the implementation and utilisation of the European Research Area (ERA) · Develop infrastructures, effectiveness and internationalisation of the social sciences