Digital Agenda
The Digital Agenda is Europe's strategy for a flourishing digital economy by 2020.
"We must put the interests of Europe's citizens and businesses at the forefront of the
digital revolution”
Commission Vice-President for the Digital Agenda Neelie Kroes.
The Digital Agenda outlines policies and actions to maximise the benefit of the Digital Revolution for all. To achieve these goals, the Commission will work closely with national governments, concerned organisations and companies. An annual Digital Assembly will bring stakeholders together to assess progress and emerging challenges.
Aim: To contribute significantly to the EU's economic growth and spread the benefits of the digital era to all sections of society.
Seven priority areas for action:
- 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 information and communications technologies to address challenges facing society like climate change and the ageing population.
A new Single Market to deliver the benefits of the digital era
Too many barriers still block the free flow of online services and entertainment across national borders. The Digital Agenda will update EU Single Market rules for the digital era. The aims are to boost the music download business, establish a single area for online payments, and further protect EU consumers in cyberspace.
Improve ICT standard-setting and interoperability
The internet is a great example of interoperability - numerous devices and applications working together anywhere in the world. Europe must ensure that new IT devices, applications, data repositories and services interact seamlessly anywhere – just like the internet. The Digital Agenda identifies improved standard-setting procedures and increased interoperability as the keys to success.
Enhance trust and security
Only 12% of European web users feel completely safe making online transactions. Threats such as malicious software and online fraud unsettle consumers and dog efforts to promote the online economy. The Digital Agenda proposes a number of practical solutions, including a coordinated European response to cyber-attacks and reinforced rules on personal data protection.
Increase Europeans' access to fast and ultra fast internet
New services such as high definition television or videoconferencing need much faster internet access than generally available in Europe. To match world leaders like South Korea and Japan, Europe needs download rates of 30 Mbps for all surfers and 100 Mbps for at least 50% of web users by 2020. The Digital Agenda aims to turn this ambition into reality by stimulating investments and proposing a comprehensive radio spectrum plan.
Boost cutting-edge research and innovation in ICT
To attract Europe's best minds to research, world class infrastructure and adequate funding are crucial. The best research ideas must be turned into marketable products and services. Currently, EU investment in ICT research is still less than half US levels. The Digital Agenda seeks to maintain Europe's competitive edge through increased coordination and elimination of Europe's fragmented efforts.
Empower all Europeans with digital skills and accessible online services 
Over 50% of Europeans use the internet daily – but 30% have never used it at all! Moreover, disabled persons face particular difficulties in benefiting fully from new electronic content and services. As ever more daily tasks are carried out online, all our people need enhanced digital skills to participate fully in society. The Digital Agenda tackles this unacceptable digital divide.
Over 50% of Europeans use the internet daily – but 30% have never used it at all! Moreover, disabled persons face particular difficulties in benefiting fully from new electronic content and services. As ever more daily tasks are carried out online, all our people need enhanced digital skills to participate fully in society. The Digital Agenda tackles this unacceptable digital divide.
Unleash the potential of ICT to benefit society
Digital technologies have enormous potential to benefit our everyday lives and tackle social challenges. The Digital Agenda focuses on ICTs capability to reduce energy consumption, support ageing citizens' lives, revolutionises health services and deliver better public services. ICTs can also drive forward the digitisation of Europe's cultural heritage providing online access for all.
The Digital Agenda is the first of seven flagship initiatives under the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.
More:
Visit the European Commission's Digital Agenda website : http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/digital-agenda/index_en.htm
