The 2008 iSummit engages the most exciting free-thinkers from Asia and the world.
 
Charting a global digital vision for the future, the world's most inspiring icons of digital culture will gather in Sapporo, Japan - a city modeling itself as a global hub for innovation, creativity and technology.
 
With a focus on creativity, community and culture, the iSummit is an annual exploration of the emerging digital opportunities for co-creation and the widespread distribution and sharing of knowledge and ideas.
 
Supported by global icons in the field, the event will showcase new trends and technologies and highlight how digital resources may be shared in order to shape new approaches to art and culture, business and social development.
 
Great Minds, Thinking Alike
Among the Internet pioneers and innovators who have agreed to give keynote address at the iSummit are David Wiley, who first coined the term "Open Content" and created the first open licences for non-software content. Wiley's presentation will include a review of 10 years of open licensing, and examine the changes that may come in the future. Rishab Ghosh, founding editor of peer-reviewed online journal First Monday, will discuss how companies and people can collaborate online to create successful synergies between volunteers and the need to generate sustainable business models. Joichi Ito, Japanese free culture activist and entrepreneur, who was named one of the "Stars Of Asia" by BusinessWeek will talk about digital innovation in the context of a free Internet. And Erin McKean, lexicographer and contributing editor to Oxford English Dictionaries will discuss language as the ultimate commons.

These keynote speakers will be joined by artists, philosophers, educators, activists, lawyers and free-thinkers from all over the world, all of whom share the goal of creating a free digital culture.  
 
Drawing on case studies from different regions and sharing these with communities facing similar issues in different localities is a vital aspect of the event's success. The iSummit provides a platform for participants from around the world to learn, connect, collaborate and showcase their work and share their experiences.
 
"The energy of the iSummit feeds free culture for the year. And with that caring and feeding, the movement grows. What could be better?" - Larry Lessig, Founder of Creative Commons
 
The iSummit '08 - 29 July - 01 Aug - is presented by iCommons in association with Digital Garage, Creative Commons Japan and the City of Sapporo, with valued sponsorship partners such as Loftwork and Netprice. 
 
About iCommons
Founded in 2005 iCommons is an international organisation with a mission to develop open, transparent digital communities that support innovation, entrepreneurship and social change. Now independent, iCommons was originally incubated by Creative Commons which has now become one of five members of iCommons Ltd, a UK registered charity with HQ in Johannesburg.
 
Issued by: iCommons Ltd
For more information please contact: Rosanne Hack - rosanne 'at' icommons 'dot' org
Tel: +27 11 327 3155