Activity

Hello This is my first group post – cross posted from my blog
It would be great if you can complete and cross post this survey on your blog. I also seek questions which you can address to commissioner Neelie Kroes. The survey only takes 5 mins of multiple choice questions asking for familiarity with issues

Survey is HERE

Note: if you cross post please also email me at ajit.jaokar at futuretext.com and also send me your question. For example my question is: What methods of collaboration will the commissioner use to fulfil this vision?

The full document is EU Digital agenda. I summarise it below so you can frame your question

Digital agenda site

Summary from the document(sections)

The overall aim of the Digital Agenda is to deliver sustainable economic and social benefits from a digital single market based on fast and ultra fast internet and interoperable applications. The vision is ‘beyond the short term.’

The objective of this Agenda is to chart a course to maximise the social and economic potential of ICT, most notably the internet, a vital medium of economic and societal activity: for doing business, working, playing, communicating and expressing ourselves freely. Successful delivery of this Agenda will spur innovation, economic growth and improvements in daily life for both citizens and businesses. Wider deployment and more effective use of digital technologies will thus enable Europe to address its key challenges and will provide Europeans with a better quality of life through, for example, better health care, safer and more efficient transport solutions, cleaner environment, new media opportunities and easier access to public services and cultural content.

The development of high-speed networks today is having the same revolutionary impact as the development of electricity and transportation networks had a century ago

The Commission has identified the seven most significant obstacles.
– Fragmented digital markets
– Lack of interoperability
– Rising cybercrime and risk of low trust in networks
– Lack of investment in networks
– Insufficient research and innovation efforts
– Lack of digital literacy and skills
– Missed opportunities in addressing societal challenges

The Digital Agenda will require a sustained level of commitment at both EU and Member State levels (including at regional level). It cannot succeed without a major contribution by other stakeholders, including young “digital natives” who have much to teach us. This Agenda is a snapshot of actual and foreseeable problems and opportunities, and will evolve in the light of experience and of the rapid changes in technology and society.

2. THE ACTION AREAS OF THE DIGITAL AGENDA
2.1. A vibrant digital single market
2.1.1. Opening up access to content
2.1.2. Making online and cross border transactions straightforward
2.1.3. Building digital confidence
2.1.4. Reinforcing the single market for telecommunications services
2.2. Interoperability and standards
2.2.1. Improving ICT standard-setting
2.2.2. Promoting better use of standards
2.2.3. Enhancing interoperability through coordination
2.3. Trust and security
2.4. Fast and ultra fast internet access
2.4.1. Guarantee universal broadband coverage with increasing speeds
2.4.2. Foster the deployment of NGA networks
2.4.3. Open and neutral internet
2.5. Research and innovation
2.5.1. Step up efforts and efficiency
2.5.2. Driving ICT innovation by exploiting the single market
2.5.3. Industry-led initiatives for open innovation
2.6. Enhancing digital literacy, skills and inclusion
2.6.1. Digital literacy and skills
2.6.2. Inclusive digital services
2.7. ICT-enabled benefits for EU society
2.7.1. ICT for environment
2.7.2. Sustainable healthcare and ICT-based support for dignified and independent living[54]
2.7.3. Promoting cultural diversity and creative content
2.7.4. eGovernment
2.7.5 Intelligent Transport Systems for efficient transport and better mobility
2.8. International aspects of the Digital Agenda

3. IMPLEMENTATION AND GOVERNANCE
The toughest challenge is to ensure rapid adoption and implementation of these measures necessary to meet our objectives. We need a shared determination and a common vision to achieve this step change for Europe .

The success of the Digital Agenda requires meticulous execution of its comprehensive set of actions in accordance with the Europe 2020 governance structure.

The Commission will therefore:
1. Set up an internal coordination mechanism – at its core a Commissioners’ Group to ensure effective policy coordination across the different policy areas, with particular reference to the set of legislative initiatives proposed under the Digital Agenda

2. Cooperate closely with Member States, the European Parliament and all interested stakeholders, in particular by:
– Establishing a ‘High Level Group’ to work with Member States;
– Engaging in regular dialogue with representatives of the European Parliaments;
– Setting up action-oriented platforms on the seven action areas with a wide range of stakeholders.

3. Chart progress on the Digital Agenda by the annual publication in May of a scoreboard including:
– Socio-economic developments based on key performance indicators, selected on the basis of their relevance to the main policy issues
– An update of progress on the full set of policy actions identified in the Digital Agenda.

4. Organise a wide stakeholder debate on the progress as tracked in the digital scoreboards in the form of an annual Digital Assembly in June, bringing together Member States, EU institutions, citizen’s representatives and industry to assess progress and emerging challenges. The first Digital Assembly will be held in the first half of 2011.

5. The Commission will report on the results of these activities in an Annual Progress Report to the European Council in accordance with the Europe 2020 governance structure.
The survey only takes 5 mins of multiple choice questions
Survey is HERE
I have also created a group on govloop for European policy discussions. Please join us and we can cross pollinate ideas

Many thanks!