CNN and the evolution of complex information systems in nature and technology

Cellular neural/nonlinear networks (CNN) are considered as the emergence of a new paradigm of complexity in the information age. In the framework of nonlinear dynamical systems, they can be compared with other paradigms of complexity (e.g., synergetics) as far as they are mathematically formalized. The dogma of local activity demonstrates remarkable advantages for computer simulations of pattern formation and pattern recognition in nature (e.g., diffusion-reaction processes, morphogenesis, artificial life, neural networks), but especially for nonlinear information processing in computer and chip technology. In the information age, nonlinear information processing and communication in global networks like the Internet are a challenge of complexity management. Ubiquitous computing is the future of a globalized world. The recent debate in sociology, economics, and philosophy on ´globalism´ and ´localism´ underlines the importance of the CNN paradigm for social, economic, and cultural systems.