Discovering the Future of the Web

Abstract

2014 brought the 25th anniversary of the World Wide Web. There is general agreement that it represents one of the most influential software applications in history and has transformed many diverse elements of human interaction. The global impact of the Web would naturally lead to speculation about the future of the technology and attempts to understand what has, driven its evolution in the past and what will do so in the future. The definition of Web Science and its implementation in Web Observatories provide a viable mechanism for a more complete understanding of the technology and a paradigm for directing its future. Web Science also provides a powerful multi-disciplinary framework and compelling research opportunities.