Besides a number of initiatives focussing on the implementation of spatial data infrastructures on the various governmental levels, significant efforts are being made in order to implement the INSPIRE Directive 2007/2/EC. However, SDI development cannot keep up with the pace other information infrastructures are developing. Conceptual advancements of the SDI approach as well as technical innovations are rarely found. While highlighting selected developments in mainstream-IT, this article tries to identify potential candidates for (technical) advancements, which reflect the changing role of a user community that is increasingly part of the social web. The emphasis lies on the use of spatial data infrastructures for collaborative processes, for providing near real-time information, and the adaption of mainstream information technology trends.