The agency said the appointment highlighted the growing need for agencies to enhance their digital and marketing technology to keep pace with the sector.
Last week Mediaedge:cia confirmed it had won the 拢5.5m UK media planning and buying account for games console manufacturer Nintendo, after pitching against incumbent agency Starcom.
Smith, who joins on July 10, will be responsible for identifying trends in digital media, and assist in the development of marketing communications across the agency's Interaction and Medialab divisions.
At Jupiter Research, Smith was European online advertising and marketing analyst over three years, and became a regular speaker at industry events.
Earlier in the week Smith authored the launch of MSN's 'The Consumer in Control' study, a report that investigates the power shift from media to consumers in the advertising sector.
Smith is also the author of Jupiter Research's Consumer Created Content report, which found that a quarter of European internet users were regular bloggers, indicating that brands could no longer ignore blogging's marketing potential.
Jeff Hyams, managing director of mec:interaction, said: "Julian is a renowned thought-leader in his field and brings not only his vast knowledge and experience of the digital landscape, but an exceptional talent for turning insight into actionable advice."
Smith said: "By providing a greater understanding of the digital future I hope to help deliver improved integrated solutions for our clients."
If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the .