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The purpose of this article is to provide an overview about the Semantic Web, its importance and history and an overview of recent Semantic Web technologies which can be used to enhance digital libraries.

The paper answers, at least partially, questions like “What is the Semantic Web?”, “How could the Semantic Web look like?”, “Why is the Semantic Web important?”, “What are ontologies?” and “Where are we now?”. Several pointers to further literature and web sites complete the overview.

Semantic Web technologies are valuable add‐ons for digital libraries. There already exist numerous academic and commercial tools which can be applied right now.

The overview of Semantic Web technologies cannot be complete in such an article, therefore we limit ourselves to the most prominent technologies available. However, following the pointers given readers can easily find more information.

The article is of particular value for newcomers in this area.

The aim of this paper is to introduce the special issue on the Semantic Web. Intensive research has been undertaken worldwide in research centres and several achievements have been accomplished towards the ultimate objective: the expression and the exploitation of humanity's collective knowledge.

A multi‐fold strategy for the preparation of this special issue was deployed. Given the special characteristics, a balanced mix of introductory papers to the topic, and also advanced research papers at the leading edge of Semantic Web evolution, were selected.

The paper summarizes the articles of the issue and also provides help in understanding the Semantic Web Roadmap of Digital Libraries.

Introduces the papers in the special issue.

The purpose of this paper is to propose a solution for automating the task of matching business process models and search for correspondences with regard to the model semantics, thus improving the efficiency of such works.

A method is proposed based on combining several semantic technologies. The research follows a design-science-oriented approach in that a method together with its supporting artifacts has been engineered. It application allows for reusing legacy models and automatedly determining semantic similarity.

The method has been applied and the first findings suggest the effectiveness of the approach. The results of applying the method show its feasibility and significance. The suggested heuristic computing of semantic correspondences between semantically heterogeneous business process models is flexible and can support domain users.

Even though a solution can be offered that is directly usable, so far the full complexity of the natural language as given in model element labels is not yet completely resolvable. Here further research could contribute to the potential optimizations and refinement of automatic matching and linguistic procedures. However, an open research question could be solved.

The method presented is aimed at adding to the methods in the field of business process management and could extend the possibilities of automating support for business analysis.

The suggested combination of semantic technologies is innovative and addresses the aspect of semantic heterogeneity in a holistic, which is novel to the field.

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the various means of communication available to franchisors in attracting prospective franchisees more effectively than their competitors. In addition, it explores the potential use of Web 2.0 resources by franchisors.

The simultaneous use of various means of communication by franchisors is examined through a case study. The authors have chosen one of the largest franchised chains in the world, which is in the process of expanding its chain of restaurants in many countries, with France being heavily targeted: Subway.

This case study reveals the complementarities of push communication, pull communication, and communication relayed by influencers, along with the development of new means of communication through the use of Web 2.0 tools (Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.).

This paper contributes to the stream of franchising and hospitality management literature. The limitations encountered stem mainly from the case study methodology.

The implications of this research for franchisors relate primarily to the means of communication used in order to appear more attractive in the eyes of potential franchisees. This paper also provides prospective franchisees with a list of sources available to collect useful information in selecting the best‐suited franchised chain to join.

Few papers have assessed the way new franchisees are attracted from a franchisor's perspective. The study of franchisor communication strategy and franchisor use of Web 2.0 resources to bring in new franchisees is indeed original, in comparison with the existing literature.