Research, relativity and relevance : can universal truths answer local questions

Law, Derek; Bothma, T J D and Kaniki, A M, eds. (2004) Research, relativity and relevance : can universal truths answer local questions. In: ProLISSA2004. Infuse, ZAF, pp. 1-10. ISBN 0620330694

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Abstract

It is a commonplace that the internet has led to a globalisation of informatics and that this has had beneficial effects in terms of standards and interoperability. However this necessary harmonisation has also led to a growing understanding that this positive trend has an in-built assumption that "one size fits all". The paper explores the importance of local and national research in addressing global issues and the appropriateness of local solutions and applications. It concludes that federal and collegial solutions are to be preferred to imperial solutions.