Irish Regions Office Website

May 25, 2010

'Digital Agenda' outlines

The European Commission unveiled its new 'Digital Agenda for Europe' on 19 May. Reflecting the fact that information and communications technologies (ICTs) are recognised as having been the most significant driver of productive growth in Europe over recent years and that ICT research is consequently the largest single research element of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), this action plan for the digital economy is the first of the seven 'Flagship Initiatives' announced in March under the 'Europe 2020' Strategy to be fleshed out in detail.

The Agenda proposes to remove current obstacles to maximising the long-term potential arising from adequate investment in research and development (R&D) and use of ICT. It outlines seven priority areas: creating a digital Single Market; greater interoperability; boosting internet trust and security; much faster internet access; more investment in research and development; enhancing digital literacy skills and inclusion; and applying ICT to address society's major challenges - notably climate change and ageing demographic. In each case a set of key actions are to be put into place or proposed over the next 2-3 years.

Major barriers to research investment reaching the levels needed to compete globally are highlighted. These include ineffective public sector R&D efforts, market fragmentation and slow consumer uptake of ICT innovations. In order to address these issues the Commission's intention is to concentrate efforts on policies such as leveraging more private investment; pooling resources between Member States and industry; easing access to funding; supporting joint ICT research infrastructures and innovation clusters; and developing a new generation of web-based applications and services in cooperation with stakeholders.

A series of performance targets have also been included in the strategy:
* Basic DSL broadband availability for all EU citizens by 2013; fast broadband (30 Mbps or more) for all and ultra-fast (above 100Mbps) for 50% of households by 2020;
* Digital inclusion measures to increase regular internet use among the general population (75%) and among disadvantaged people (60%);
* 50% of citizens using eGovernment public services by 2015;
* A doubling of annual public investment in ICT R&D across Member States to EUR11 billion by 2020;
* At least 20% overall reduction in energy use on lighting by 2020.

In addition, the Member States are being urged to engage in large-scale pilot projects to test and develop innovative and interoperable solutions in areas of public interest.

Further details

Posted by iroronan at May 25, 2010 01:44 PM