Alongside promises for superfast broadband, the Government today announced 30 million to create an Institute for Web Science, lead by web creator Sir Tim Berners-Lee and professor Nigel Shadbolt.
The institute follows on the pair's previous work getting the Government to open up its data to the public, and will work with businesses, conduct research and advise the Government - especially when it comes to using procurement to encourage new technologies.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the project would build on the work already done by Berners-Lee and Shadbolt. "We are determined to go further in breaking down the walled garden of Government, using technology and information to provide greater transparency on the workings of Whitehall and give everyone more say over the services they receive."
Universities and businesses will be invited to take part in the institute, as well, and it will be based at Oxford and Southampton universities - the latter being where Berners-Lee and Shadbolt work in the UK.
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