The What Next Forum (WNF) has as its main aims to convene meetings and seminars with diverse set of actors (with a particular emphasis on participants from the Global South), explore new issues within the broad area of environment and development (with a particular focus on alternative development perspectives), and to catalyze action for social change (ranging from policy work to establishment of networks to advocacy). As one of several areas of focus, the What Next Forum follows issues in relation to new and emerging technologies and their possible implication on society. The WNF is Chair of the SYN-ENERGENE Civil Society Forum where it closely cooperates with ETC Group (partner 28). It makes major contributions to Platform Research & Policy in both dimensions