The Directory and Database Industry

Did you know that the first directory was published in 1677?
Finding reliable sources of information has always been a major preoccupation of trading companies.

Did you know that directory and database publishers have been providing online information since 1978?
Directory publishers have always been in the vanguard of economic and technological progress.  Nowadays most publishers offer their publications on the internet, on mobile devices or on CD Rom.  Most are still successfully publishing printed directories.

Did you know that the directory and database industry is large and profitable?
Over 50 000 people are employed in the industry and the total turnover is estimated at over 6 billion euros.

The Essay Topic

You are the leaders of tomorrow: Tell the leaders of today how you will search information in your future business life and how you see the evolution of information technology.

Length  
maximum 5000 words

Language 
English

Entries will be judged by an independent jury.
Criteria will be content and originality.  Whilst the English must be clear, language will not be the determining criterion.