1. Ubiquitous computing and network society PSI 2007 Kaido Kikkas This document uses the GNU Free Documentation License (v1.2 or newer).

2. Ubiquitous computing? Wikipedia: “"Ubiquitous computing (ubicomp) integrates computation into the environment, rather than having computers which are distinct objects.” A.k.a: pervasive computing calm technology things that think everyware pervasive Internet

3. Social Hackerism Pekka Himanen (“Hacker Ethic” and “The Information Society and the Welfare State”): hacker-derived models as a base for network societies of the future intrinsic drive towards new things free, informal processes overall inclusiveness A crucial ingredient of network society

4. For comparison: Estonia 2010 The set of scenarios for the future, formulated by a team of visionaries in 1995-97 The four scenarios: Military information oasis South Finland The Ferryman Grand Slam

5. A closer look Military info oasis – good technological standing with little openness Southern Finland – little innovation the Ferryman – one-sided development Grand Slam – the ICT/business paradise All scenarios lack one thing – the social cohesiveness and community thinking! Even the Grand Slam is mostly about businessmen, not hackers

6. Needs for ubicomp: HIIT 2006 Communication infrastructure: a gigabit for everyone. The basic physical medium which is powerful enough to carry a wide variety of services (Internet, TV, radio, phone, security, health care for elderly people etc). Information security infrastructure: safety and reliability for everyone. Includes clear hierarchy of different networks as well as public encryption services and other privacy measures. Information infrastructure: mobilization of information as raw material for services. Includes good information management and avoidance of various artificial obstacles in the way of information flow.

7. ... Service infrastructure: open service architectures and interfaces. Again, artificial obstacles like proprietary standards and interfaces should be avoided. From idea to service: promotion of innovation. Includes suitable methods and facilities for supporting innovation (various foundations etc). Legal regulation: defining the basic rules of the ubiquitous network society. Especially important is to find a balanced approach to the "intellectual property rights" which has recently proved to be ineffective.

8. ... From research to services: study of the ubiquitous network society. Covers the sustenance measures of the network society itself. From ubi-Finland to ubi-Europe: the European dimension of the network society. To create an isolated ubicomp island in a relatively less developed wider region does not fulfil its purpose.

9. Have a cake – and eat it too? Or: are welfare state and information society mutually exclusive or can they coexist? Estonian vision – competitive economy, welfare state is secondary and may become a burden Himanen's (and others') vision – can have both The three existing scenarios: Silicon Valley, Singapore and Old Europe (see previous lecture) What is needed for the fourth way?

10. 10 values for sustainable network society Caring equality and justice, fairness and universal inclusion as well as equal opportunities: the key ideas of the welfare state. Stressing caring would help prevent the negative consequences of overcompetitive scenarios. Confidence Confidence is partly based on caring, being also a basis of the welfare state. Confidence gives safety, makes fruitful communality possible and prevents an atmosphere of fear. Communality being part of a larger community, living with others and doing things together.

11. ... Encouragement "I do not want to take anything away from others; instead, I work to make it possible for everyone to have more."; positive spurring and stimulation. Another aspect here is the 'post-scarcity': resources are not scarce – there is plenty for everyone. The antithesis of communality and encouragement would be an overall atmosphere of envy. Freedom "Whatever adults do of their own free will is all right, provided that they do not hurt other people"; includes the rights of individuality: the freedom of expression, the protection of privacy and tolerance for differences.

12. ... Creativity creative passion, need for self-fulfilment and personal growth (also the main points behind the hacker ethic in general). Excessive control in society would in turn reduce both freedom and creativity. Courage required to realise the other values. One has to be courageous to attempt new, unknown things and sometimes to resist overwhelming negative circumstances. Visionariness refers to the courage to dream, the willingness to make this world a better place; is effectively a combination of courage and insight.

13. ... Balance refers to the balance between the other values, sustainability and moderation. Meaningfulness depends on the extent to which development promotes intrinsic values, such as the classical values of wisdom, goodness and beauty. The central question is "Will this make my life more meaningful?" Ultimately it boils down to the fact that economic success alone is insufficient to create a sustainable society.

14. Three sources Classical values - justice, courage, temperance (moderation) and wisdom Christian values - faith, hope and love Enlightenment values - liberty, equality and fraternity Idealistic? Definitely. But gives some real food for thought.

15. Final words The ubicomp is a realistic goal, but... it will not materialise in a purely economically- oriented society Welfare state and information society can probably exist side by side Value-based society is more sustainable than a totally opportunistic one