The Electronic Document Systems Foundation (EDSF) is the only Foundation dedicated to enhancing the value and relevance of document communications worldwide. Our goals are to be a catalyst for education and research initiatives and to bring the industry together to resolve document communications issues that impact society.

The Foundation helps the industry and the public benefit from paper and electronic documents, which are continually being transformed by emerging technologies. By fostering education, promoting research, recognizing leaders, encouraging innovation, and garnering and disseminating knowledge, we are building a community of mutual interest and support for document communication.

Through stewardship of industry memories, we honor our history and provide definition for the industry. Special events offer opportunities for members of the document communication community to meet and share ideas. To finance the Foundation, annual fundraising activities that started in 1996 are ongoing.

The invaluable efforts of worldwide volunteers, combined with staff, execute the activities of the Foundation.

A Brief History of EDSF

The original concept of EDSF dates to 1994, when Keith Davidson, Ph.D., EDP and former Xplor International president noted that the document industry seemed ready to contribute to its future through education and research. Davidson observed that profit-making companies often focus on problems that have short-term economic value, yet many of the problems of the society are left unsolved. Marshalling efforts to attack these problems is the rightful challenge of a foundation, and this has become the unique role of EDSF.

As a result of this visionary thinking, the organization was founded by Xplor International in 1994 as the Xplor Foundation. In 1996 the Foundation was restructured and launched as The Electronic Document Systems Foundation.

Early EDSF activities included the publication of two important research documents. "Defining the Document Industry: Economic Impact and Future Growth Trends" yielded important data about economic impact and growth trends, while "Network, Screen and Page: The Future of Reading in a Digital Age" is a study of the effects of digital technology on reading and publishing.

EDSF has also sponsored events honoring the history and pioneers of the industry, such as the 1996 Trailblazer Dinner and the Heritage Exposition in 1997.