The evolution of the information society involves the interplay of a range of technological, social and economic elements. It is a quickly moving field with many inter-relationships. Keeping the door open to the latest ideas as they arise from the roots, and allowing the best of these to be realised, helps aim funding at leading developments. For these reasons FET is open to any idea related to information society technologies. It not only includes the development of new technologies, but also encompasses new ways of doing things as well as creating new roles for technology.
Proposals are receivable at any time, for practically the whole duration of the programme.
In reality many breakthroughs have depended on sparks of the imagination that resulted in leaps and bounds that were inherently unpredictable. For this reason, it is important to have an environment within which invention and creativity can thrive. Therefore, FET is open to considering bold ideas whose realisation would involve high risks. In this context there is no distinction of how far or how close to the market an idea might be - the important issue is the potential that it has for leading to a breakthrough. At the same time it would be wrong to think that it is only 'wild' ideas that lead to major advances.