eBusiness for SMEs in FP6 “creating sustainable knowledge infostructures in a crossborder context" Brussels 17 December 2002 colm.mccolgan@ernact.net Brussels Dec 2002

ERNACT - History European Regions Network for the Application of Communications Technology Formed in 1990 by Regional Authorities in North West Ireland as joint crossborder vehicle (public sector – non profit) To use information & communications technology to improve delivery of services stimulate Interregional Development Co-operation Brussels Dec 2002

Achievements/Strengths to Date 10 years experience EU ICT programmes Project budgets > 12 million €uro European-wide user, developer, researcher organisation networks Transnational ICT Project Management Information Society Regional Development models Technology Know-how Highly Skilled Staff in NW crossborder region Brussels Dec 2002

What do we “ERNACT is a resource to research, pilot & transfer practical strategies, applications and infrastructure models that will help decentralise the benefits of the information society to the NW Ireland crossborder region” Brussels Dec 2002

North West Ireland Crossborder Region Northern Ireland Donegal Limavady Derry Strabane Republic of Brussels Dec 2002

Digital Economy Strategy Objectives Improve the capacity of the region’s current job creating sectors to survive in the Digital Age. Create new high technology ventures and sustainable jobs within the region. Improve the attraction of the region as a location for information technology-based inward investment companies. Develop a system of regional innovation to stimulate the growth of an indigenous knowledge-based sector. AIM “Improve the capacity of the North West Ireland area to embrace the digital economy and to attract and create sustainable high technology ventures and jobs” Brussels Dec 2002

Strategy Dynamics Government Health Tourism Retail SMEs Strand 1 Foresight Strand 2 e-business Applications Strand 5 Telecom Infrastructure Strand 6 Innovation & Inward Invest Strand 3 RTD & Technology Transfer Strand 4 Training & 3rd Level Brussels Dec 2002

12 Strategic Project Theme Knowledge Society Telecomms Infrastructure 1. Community Connect 2. Community Learning Telecomms Infrastructure 3. Broadband Network Mobile Infrastructure 4. Digital Region 5. Transport Exchange Regional e-business sustainability 6. e-business Network of Excellence Sector applications 7. e-government 8. healthcare portal 9. e-tourist 10. e-business for SME 11. e-procurement exchange 12. Town Centre of the Future Brussels Dec 2002

e-business network of excellence Digital Model of Region (Spatial) Tourists Citizens Patients Business Workers Shoppers Community Connect Community Learning e-gov health portal e-tourist e-SME Retail e-procur e-business network of excellence Trading Transport Exchange Digital Model of Region (Spatial) Position Business Homes Vehicles Services Workers Broadband Network Brussels Dec 2002

SMEs – ebusiness & RTD Long Term (10 years) RTD if Big Regional Catalyst (egovernment?) Creates Domain Environment Creates Embryonic Market Creates support Advanced, competitive Broadband Required Only if profit, loss of business, increased sales Integrated ebusiness models, training, know-how, change management approaches Supportive digital environment will assist (digital model of regional business, sectors, value chains) Brussels Dec 2002

Virtual Knowledge Network Business Park Contact Centre Univ. Info Society Business Park Business Park Call Centre Virtual Park Mgt Business Park Call Centre Call Centre Business Park Univ. Business Park Mobile Systems Brussels Dec 2002

Elements of Project A Virtual Crossborder Development and Management function Construction of a ducting and fibre-optic system linking Business parks, 3rd level sector, Science Parks linked via a telecommunications Regional Area Network (RAN) Competitively priced advanced broadband services available to businesses within region Development and marketing of crossborder region by INI/IDA as single destination for investment Establishment of a number of information society centres of excellence including webworks and mobile computing Programme to actively develop quality and quantity of crossborder research collaboration Programme to actively develop content and services creation through Digital Economy Brussels Dec 2002