Brussels, 23/09/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 23 September, the European Commission launched a public consultation on Standards for the Digital Single Market (DSM).
Standards are important tools for making different systems work together and stimulating the emergence of new eco-systems across a Digital Single Market of more than 500 million people in Europe. They can boost innovation and reinforce the competitiveness of European industry. By launching this consultation, the Commission seeks input from the different stakeholders given that it needs to define priorities for standards and interoperability in crucial domains for the future. This is one of the objectives set out in the Digital Single Strategy presented on 6 May last (see EUROPE 11309). The consultation is open until 16 December.
Andrus Ansip, Commission vice-president, stated: “We need common standards and interoperability to make the best of fast-growing sectors such as cloud computing and the Internet of Things. We also need them to promote e-government services around Europe and a more inclusive e-society. Systems must be able to connect and 'talk' to other digital devices - across countries and sectors. Europe should be on top of standard-setting worldwide”. Günther Oettinger, commissioner for the digital economy and society, also underlined the importance of establishing standards and indicated his wish to discuss this issue with his US counterparts during his trip to the US (see EUROPE 11394). The Commissioner explained: “It is essential to have common standards and interoperable solutions throughout products and services. The digital economy should not be developed in locked environments and platforms”.
The Commission is particularly interested in gathering in views on priorities for standards in key technology areas which are critical to achieving the DSM and which, once delivered, can constitute a technological foundation upon which other standards can be built. The Commission is looking for input on standards in the following areas: 5G communications; cloud computing; cybersecurity; data-driven services and applications; digitisation of European industry; eHealth; Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS); Internet of Things, Smart Cities and efficient energy use. (Original version in French by Isabelle Lamberty)