CALL FOR PAPERS A tremendous transformation is occurring. Smart technologies and the internet of things <http://semanticaresearch.com/events/sr-smart-social-media-summit/> will fundamentally change the way we govern, live and trade. More than 50 billion Œthings¹ are projected to be connected to the Internet by 2020, which, combined with advanced big data analytics, will constitute a giant, intelligent network that will change the way we govern, trade, and interact. The Internet of Things as an Agent for Democracy and Civic Engagement conference has been created to provide governance, democracy and Internet of Things professionals with in-depth discussion and strategic recommendations on ways the Internet of Things impacts upon democratic and political engagement, particularly amongst civil society organisations. It brings together IoT professionals, business executives, academics and other influencers from around the world to discuss how the the internet of things will disrupt democracy and civic engagement, paving the way for a fundamental change in the ways businesses and governments approach democracy and governance in the 21st century. In addition, the conference explores ways in which the Internet of Things can help create a network of mutual independence that strengthens the organisations that form civil society, and how the Internet of Things can be used to reach civil society organisations to inform, empower and foster constructive grassroots participation in a more consistent and systematic way. The Internet of Things as an Agent for Democracy and Civic Engagement conference 2015 is a two-day event, taking place between 25-26 March 2015, and includes extensive presentations and in-depth panel discussions on all aspects on the Internet of Things and Democracy, an area for workshops where companies and experts provide master classes on how best to utilise the Internet of Things to foster democracy and civic engagement, together with online and in-person networking opportunities where delegates can establish valuable professional relationships. All attendees will leave with enduring knowledge of the contemporary nature of the Internet of Things, democracy and civic engagement, as well as a wealth of new contacts. Call for Papers Those people who are interested in presenting a paper at the conference are requested to submit their abstract of 300 words in length to info [at] semanticaresearch [dot] com by February 25 2015. If the abstract is accepted, submission of the original paper is expected. Participants who have not submitted their papers by the deadline will not be permitted to give a presentation in the conference. All abstracts will be evaluated by an academic committee. Selected papers will be published in our book of thematic compilation on the Internet of Things, Democracy and Civic Engagement with the consent of the authors. Possible topics for discussion include the following: * How will privacy issues impact upon the uptake of the Internet of Things in democratic institutions? * What is the role of Government in an age of Smart Cities and algorithmic regulation? * How can civil society institutions ensure that the Internet of Things is harnessed for the public good? * How can technologies be designed to create deeper civic engagement? * What are the global implications on foreign policy of connecting the unconnected? * How can the Internet of Things impact developing countries? * What is the potential impact of the Internet of Things on transnational crime? * Cybercrime and Cybersecurity * How will the Internet of Things affect critical national infrastructure? * Hyperconnected Diplomacy * Encryption and Integrity * And much much moreŠ Dr. Lawrence Ampofo Associate Lecturer International Relations Degree Blanquerna School for Communication & International Relations Ramon Llull University Carrer Valldonzella 23 08001 Barcelona Tel: + 34.722 704 851 E-mail: lawrencepetera@blanquerna.url.edu