"Wireless mesh networking is being considered as a promising solution for scalable and ubiquitous Internet access for one decade already. Still, major limitations remain to be overcome before the concept matures to fulfil the promise. What’s more, the potential of integrating the mesh networking paradigm in the context of heterogeneous technologies has not been yet sufficiently explored. Pursuing advancement along these lines, towards shaping next generation mesh networking, calls for cutting-edge research and development (R&D) efforts with inter-sector knowledge renewal and integration.The MESH-WISE project responds to these needs by mobilising a joint academic-industry task force on two complementary themes. First is the development of novel mechanisms for deployment and resource allocation of self-organising mesh networks. The second theme comprises the investigation of multi-purpose and heterogeneous mesh networking and its emerging applications such as traffic offloading, emergency deployment and provisioning, and sensor integration.Designing future wireless mesh systems based on heterogeneous radio technologies with self-organising capabilities necessitates original R&D actions. The MESH-WISE project takes a holistic view in developing models, protocols, and algorithms in a wide spectrum, from theoretical analysis to proof-of-concept and prototyping. Towards these ends, the MESH-WISE project follows the approach of intensive inter-sectorial exchange of knowledge and know-how between the consortium partners.In addition to R&D, MESH-WISE contributes to competitiveness development by training researchers. The knowledge transfer programme is designed on a mutual-benefit basis between the academic and industrial partners, to promote new career opportunities and development in the European Information and Communication technologies (ICT) arena, and thereby generate new types of expertise and human capital for the European Research Area (ERA)."