Both of these groups were originally established by academics and they have an emphasis in sharing and disseminating knowledge. The ISWorld Net site probably has the most comprehensive worldwide listings of past, present and future conferences and workshops available on the Web. Two other collaborative groups have an academic emphasis. This programme provides funding of 3 million between 1997 and 2000 to 22 projects and research reports, papers and activities can be found at their Web site. More than 20 universities throughout the world have significant research groups examining electronic commerce.
Difficulties obviously arise in defining what constitutes a significant research group or centre.
Many information systems and information technology departments and Management and Business Schools mention the existence of electronic commerce research, but only a few these groups have a significant Web presence offering details of staff, research papers and other information. Indeed, two 'groups' in South Africa and Denmark have established Web pages suggesting their sites should be completed by early 1998. Sadly, these early ambitions have not been fulfilled and their sites remain undeveloped. Seven of the electronic commerce groups with Web sites have been established by US universities. Leading US universities, such as MIT, Stanford, Georgia Tech, University of California at Berkeley and the University of Texas have established comprehensive sites offering detailed information about research, education and sponsors.