Software and systems development, evolution and management are undergoing dramatic change as we approach the 21st century.
Economic pressures require systems to be built better, cheaper and faster.
Increased IT awareness and the use of technologies such as object orientation are creating a new generation of system builders who do not necessarily have a traditional software development background. The result is that the processes, skills and tools which support all aspects of software development will undergo dramatic change during the next few years. STEP'97 is the premier world event for drawing together practitioners and researchers concerned with supporting the software and systems development, evolution and management process. It provides a unique opportunity for reports on current best practice, future developments and to participate in themed workshops aimed at linking presentations with the experience and needs of participants. A major theme which runs through STEP'97 is creativity and innovation in software development.