Connecting locals in emerging countries means facing up to both socio-economic and technological obstacles. For this the center will review technologies developed by the Fraunhofer Society in different technological areas – like materials, wireless communications, alternative energies, network design – to evolve new ICTs considering the specific needs for such an environment.

Apart from its own competence, NET4DC requires the expertise of many professionals outside Fraunhofer – from organizations, research facilities, companies and individual experts – to fulfill its aims. To bring together these visionaries and actors involved in supplying ICTs in emerging countries, the center is organized as an open community. Experts’ knowledge on socio-economic demand as well as on technical needs will be gathered, while a technology pool is going to be established.

In short, the centre is also acting as a Think Tank. It aims to collect and allocate discoveries on developing, integrating and testing communication technologies, as well as services based on IT infrastructures which are suitable for people in emerging countries.