Brussels, 07/06/2006 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission's new ICT Task Force (on information and communication technology) met of the first time on 6 June to kick off a 5-month debate on challenges to ICT producers and users, in particular on the challenges and opportunities created by the convergence of digital networks, content and devices. It will identify major obstacles for competitiveness of Europe's ICT industry and for the completion of the internal market for this sector. The Task Force will recommend possible policy responses. It will deliver its report to the Commission by the end of the year. The ICT Task Force will address the following topics: ICT uptake; intellectual property rights, competitiveness and innovation; innovation in R&D, manufacturing and services; SMEs and entrepreneurship; skills and employability; and how to promote ICT innovation in the EU's internal market.
The Task Force is co-chaired by Heinz Zourek, the Director-General for DG Enterprise & Industry at the European Commission, and Fabio Colasanti, the Director-General for DG Information Society & Media. The Task Force membership reflects a balance between industry and civil society, being composed of high-level representatives of the ICT industry and of civil society. This is one of several Commission initiatives that aim to help create a more favourable environment for business in the EU.