This is the last special issue in a series which is to be used as background material for Network Cultures' Summing-Up Event. The theme of this celebration will be : " Globalization and the vitality of Cultures ". This event will take place in Brussels from 17 to 18 October 1997. During this Event, we will take stock of our accomplishments over the last ten years and we will explore together new perspectives for the coming decade. This event will combine intellectual reflection and artistic emotion, thoroughness and relaxation, celebration and further commitment as responsible world citizens. Please refer to the programme on the inside cover pages of this issue.

Many readers of " Cultures and Development " are registered. Those who did not but who wish to obtain our background material can order them at BF 400 (Europe) or BF 600 (outside Europe) per dossier (postage included).

There will be 5 dossiers, each related to one of the 5 sub-themes of the Event : 1) cultures and development including methodological questions ; 2) cultures and women ; 3) cultures and economy, including management ; 4) the arts and intercultural understanding ; 5) cultures, citizenship and conflicts.

The present special issue offers the synthesis and conclusion of our research project called " Explorations into the Cultural Embeddedness of Local Economic Life ".