Brussels, 29/01/2014 (Agence Europe) - At the Economic Forum in Davos, European Commissioner for the Digital Agenda Neelie Kroes has shown her determination to pursue the work to provide society and young people in particular with the decisive tools they need to take advantage of the opportunities offered by new technology. Writing in her blog on 28 January, the commissioner said: “I'm absolutely focused on ensuring we change our mindset for the future. On creating tomorrow's opportunities and tomorrow's jobs. And on talking and listening to the young people who understand new technology and can benefit from it”. She underlines digital sector related dangers, such as the protection of private life and data, following the NSA espionage revelations and the importance of internet governance in safeguarding this vital global platform for freedom and growth.
Three subjects are the particular focus of the commissioner and upon which she seeks to develop reflection further:
1) boosting the work of web entrepreneurs and making Europe “startup-friendly”. Two initiatives set up by the Commission to work towards achieving this task were announced at Davos - a new think tank, the European Digital Forum set up to work in the 22 action areas advocated in the “Start-Up Manifesto” to make Europe a more entrepreneur-friendly environment (see EUROPE 10913); and a new “Start-Up Europe Partnership”, which will build a bridge between young developing talent, entrepreneurs and European investors (see EUROPE 11003). The Commissioner said: “I hope these initiatives will make life easier for every startup, helping them find a voice and create a stronger, more innovative Europe”;
2) providing Europe and Europeans with the necessary skills for filling vacant jobs, “for better careers and better lives in a more competitive continent”. To achieve this, it will be necessary to work together with industry and the education sector, as well as all other interested parties. Commissioner Kroes was pleased to point out that the Davos declaration demonstrated the interest of the different parties to work towards this goal with a new “Grand Coalition of 2014” work plan (see EUROPE 11005). She added that, “now we need to extend those ideas beyond just ICT- to all the many sectors that can benefit from digital” ;
3) making Europe an essential player in the digital sector. Following the NSA spying revelations, Europe will be able to become the safest place for online communications if it provides itself with the means and continues to enhance the security of the online environment. The provisions proposed by the European Commission for a “Connected Continent” are also essential for creating a single digital market, provisions that the commissioner hopes to see adopted soon. (IL/transl.fl)