1. Europe and the information society

2. The information society Seen as a new paradigm for growth and development Seeks to establish inclusive information/knowledge-based economy Rise of knowledge workers and industries (such as software, biotechnology etc.)

3. Competitiveness and ICTs ICTs reinforce an enterprise’s strategic vision and assist in effective and efficient decision making The utilisation of ICTs aids the rationalisation and optimisation of production The application of ICTs promotes increased reactivity and flexibility of organisations The use of ICTs stimulates further development of new technology and innovation

4. ICTs and globalisation Makes skills and know-how portable Facilitates a more rapid response to competitive pressures Eliminates barriers of distance Reduces the communication and transaction costs in trade

5. Policy measures Focus in three main areas: o Users: the people and organisations that access content via dedicated infrastructures o Infrastructures: the technical medium through which the user accesses content o Environment: industry and policy factors that drive the development of the information economy

6. The EU and Information Economy EU lags behind global leaders US dominates information industries Few EU information industry ‘champion’ ICT penetration higher in East Asia Limited universal coverage and access

7. Digital Agenda for Europe (DAE) Flagship programme Market led development of EU information economy Forms core part of 2020 Agenda The European model of the information society is based on a strong ethos of social solidarity

8. Digital Agenda for Europe (DAE) The programme has seven pillars: o Pillar I: Digital Single Market Pillar I: Digital Single Market o Pillar II: Interoperability and standards Pillar II: Interoperability and standards o Pillar III: Trust and security Pillar III: Trust and security o Pillar IV: Fast and ultra-fast internet access Pillar IV: Fast and ultra-fast internet access o Pillar V: Research and innovation Pillar V: Research and innovation o Pillar VI: Enhancing digital literacy, skills and inclusion Pillar VI: Enhancing digital literacy, skills and inclusion o Pillar VII: ICT-enabled benefits for EU society Pillar VII: ICT-enabled benefits for EU society

9. Issues in the information society Net neutrality The rise of the balkanisation of the internet Cyber-security issues