Brussels, 17/04/2012 (Agence Europe) - Commissioner for the Digital Agenda Neelie Kroes has called on stakeholders to submit their ideas in an effort to get rid of the barriers to start-up development in the digital sector by putting their projects on the OpenIDEO platform. On her blog, the commissioner explained: “I'm personally very excited to see what kinds of ideas the community comes up with (…) whatever the barriers are, I want us to identify and be aware of them at the highest levels.”
Entrepreneurs working in the digital sector are being called on to play a key role in developing economic growth in Europe and internationally. Kroes indicated that a number of obstacles are still discouraging entrepreneurs from developing their activities in several member states, particularly in terms of taxes and high wage costs. This is occurring despite member states providing and offering subsidies to stimulate innovation and growth, explained the commissioner. Following the first stage, where stakeholders shared their ideas, the OpenIDEO platform provided a second stage boost where they are able to develop their projects in a practical way, with the aim of helping get rid of the obstacles identified. This phase will be closed on 26 April. Once it has examined the different proposals, the European Commission will announce the best ideas on 29 May. The results of this consultation will then be submitted during the Digital Agenda Assembly on 21-22 June next. The commissioner has promised: “Winning concepts will considered for implementation by ourselves in the European Commission, and also of course open for development by private companies or individuals.” (IL/transl.fl)