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Who can predict where the next Google or eBay will come from?

A group of researchers at Southampton University takes time off from deep thoughts about the future of information technology to see if they can work out how to spot the next "killer app". Not quite, but they have some thoughts on how to look out for great ideas that use the semantic web.

The true heirs of Hewlett and Packard?

Agilent Labs reckons that it still supports "the values that have made Dave Packard and Bill Hewlett’s company a success". At least they have a stab at telling us what they do.

Accession countries play VC catch-up

The climate for R&D-based start-ups in Central and Eastern Europe should be improving. But there’s still a way to go, writes Mary Lisbeth D’Amico.