All of these programs are designed to focus attention on the way in which interactivity will benefit society.

Some will demonstrate the impact on specific communities such as the disabled and economically disadvantaged regions of the world. These can be structured as one, two or three year projects that will culminate in 2001 or as on-going cooperative efforts.

Universities and research institutes will be encouraged to focus students’ attention on studies of these projects so that they are documented and evaluated.

Television and other media will cover the stories as news and documentaries; videos and films will be made. Articles and research will be published and competitions staged.

Sponsors will have their corporate identity and logo associated with the Year of Interactivity and with the specific programs they sponsor. There will be opportunities for online sponsorship as well as extensive international media coverage. The earlier the commitment is made, and the more that is committed, the more prominence the sponsoring corporation will receive.

In addition, the Year of Interactivity will stimulate growth and use of networks and services in cyber-space and have a direct impact on the growth and profitability of companies supplying the industry. Depending on the type of business, the impact will be everything from selling more network equipment, to opening up global markets, to tapping into global research and expertise, to gaining access to global employee pools, and ultimately to living in a more harmonious, interconnected world.