EU calls for more ICT funding

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The European Commission has set a new goal to make Europe the world leader ininformation and communication technologies (ICT).

Currently, Europe makes up 34 per cent of the global ICT market, and is growing at four per cent each year. That said, Europe is trailing behind in global competition and research and in producing cutting edge ICT-based products and services, according to an EC report.

As part of the report, member states and industry leaders have been given ways to work together in research and innovation to become leaders in ICT, in addition to improving IT in areas such as healthcare and energy efficiency.

Viviane Reding, the EU Commissioner for Information Society and Media, said: “Europe represents the largest share of the world's ICT market. Our economic performance and jobs depend on these technologies. Our task is to make sure that Europe is well-equipped to harness the potential of technologies like the internet or mobile phones."

The first plan of action from the EC calls for Europe to double the investments it makes in ICT research over the next decade. The Commission will increase the yearly funding available to the area of ICT from €1.1 billion (£1 billion) in 2010 to €1.7 billion in 2013.

The second part of the plan outlines the need for ICT research careers in Europe to be made more attractive to close the current skills gap. Member States are expected to share strategies and work together to make sure that research and innovation take place with the newest technology, in brilliant facilities, researching embedded electronic devices and software for safe and clean cars – both areas potentially having an important socio-economic impact.

The third plan includes ideas for integration into EU policy areas such as health, energy, and transport with better communication between users and providers. The right conditions need to be put into place for ICT solutions that are both innovative and competitive, and allow for new public private partnerships, the EC said.

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