THE GEOSPATIAL WORLD FORUM is the ideal place to bring together the geospatial research community, industry and public sector to discuss current activities, new trends and future needs in the geospatial research fi eld. It is widely acknowledged that a dynamic research community should play its role in defi ning and developing new fi elds of research which can be developed and turned into new disruptive technologies creating new market opportunities.

Therefore, it is of utmost importance that the research communities, industry and public sector exchange information and ideas on current research, emerging opportunities and how the academic, public and private sector could work together to streamline efforts to make this happen. The workshop will address questions such as: "What are the key research areas that have large market potential?"; "What are the disruptive technologies we see emerging over the next 10 or 20 years?"; "How could we organise a more close cooperation between research, industry and public sector?"

The workshop on Sunday, 12th May 2013 and Monday, 13th May 2013 morning will bring together senior researchers, representatives from major geospatial industry , as well as geo-ICT SME's and public sector players in a round table. A series of key-notes on Sunday morning will be followed by interactive sessions (round tables) on Sunday afternoon, while on Monday morning reports from the different groups and a panel discussion will lead to conclusions and a report including future actions. The event aims to also feed into other discussions which will take place during the whole conference week.