IS Policy and Structural Funds

1. IS Policy and Structural Funds Information Society Policy (i2010) and Structural Funds (2007-2013) Workshop on Community Strategic Guidelines on Cohesion 2007-2013 Brussels, 14th July 2005 Guido Acchioni DG Information Society (INFSO) Unit C1: Lisbon Strategy and eEurope guido.acchioni@cec.eu.int

2. Community Strategic Guidelines On CohesionInformation Society for AllMain Messages • Adoption and use of ICT represents a major lever for improving productivity and competitiveness of regions as it encourages: • Business Innovation: the re-organisation of production methods and the emergence of new businesses and private services, development of applications and digitisation of content. • The efficient and effective delivery of public services –e.g. e-government and e-health – has a significant potential for economic growth and for enabling new services. • Social, economic, cultural, political and territorial inclusion of individuals, organisations and regions thereby reinforcing socio-economic cohesion. Investment in fields such as: • human capital (e-skills/digital literacy and eBusinessskills),delivery of public services (eGovernment, e-Business, e-Learning, e-Health) and private services e.g.: innovation services for SMEs (eBusiness) including technology transfer (between research institutions and enterprises) aimed at stimulating private investment in ICT. • Availability of a affordable Broadband infrastructure across the Union taking into account technological development and respecting technologicalneutrality, open access, in compliance with communication and competition regulations. Focus on remote and rural areas of New MS and other convergence regions. • Synergy with EU IS initiatives: i2010 • Inclusive approach: The development of ICT infrastructure, products and services should be inclusive (improve accessibility of disabled, elderly and other weak sectors of society)

3. Community Strategic Guidelines On CohesionInformation Society for AllGuide for actions Actions should be based on: • Development of integrated regional IS strategies based on balanced support for demand and supply measures • Use of context social, economic and technological indicators: economic structure (specialisation, level of development), availability of appropriate BB infrastructure at an affordable price, social/demographic make up of the region, etc. • To be reminded that specific OPs on the information society tend to increase the strategic and integrated approach of IS actions and ease the addressing of horizontal issues such as interoperability, standards, benchmarking, exchange of best practices, etc; • In any case relevant National Ministriesin charge of IS Policies should be part of monitoring committees of national strategic reference frameworks.

4. European IS Policy initiatives eEurope 2002 Aim: get Europe on-line Aim: Accession & Candidate Countries on-line eEurope+ 2003 Aim: e-services on secure BB infrastructure eEurope 2005 • Aims: • Information Space • Innovation & Investment in R&D • e-inclusion i2010 Lisbon Mid-term review 2000 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2010 Lisbon Agenda to 2010

5. i2010 Basis for action with respect to Lisbon Strategy • Guideline (11): To expand and improve European infrastructure and complete agreed priority cross border projects (including ICT infrastructures) • Guideline (13): To facilitate innovation and the take up of ICT. (including changes in the organisation of work in the economy) • Guideline (20): To promote flexibility combined with employment security and reduce labour market segmentation (including enhanced exploitation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). • Guideline (23): To adapt education and training systems in response to new competence requirements. (ref: ICT can be used to improve access to learning and better tailor it to the needs of employers and employees)

6. The new IS initiative: i2010 (European Information Society in 2010) Three main Goals: • A single European information space: Promoting a borderless information space with the aim of establishing an internal market for electronic communications and digital services • Innovation and investment in research:Stimulating innovation through investment in IST research, development and deployment of ICT and by encouraging eBusiness • Inclusion, better public services and quality of life: Making the European Information Society as inclusive as possible

7. i2010 A single European information space SF could support: • Faster, more innovative and competitive broadband services (mostly regulatory measures) • Rich content: support (local) creation of on-line content to enable new services. Content production is primarily the responsibility of the private sector but Structural Funds could support: • The creation of new “eContent” businesses (incubators, venture capital, etc) • The specific content creation for cultural reasons (e.g. Media programme at EU level) • Interoperability, support for interoperability actions enabling devices and platforms to “talk to one another”, and services that are portable from platform to platform (eGovernment, eHealth, eBusiness etc). Take account of Interoperability Guidelines being developed at EU and National Level. • Security, support for: • awareness and promotion of a culture security • Building climate of trust and security in communication infrastructure and infostructure; • Meet Future challenges: eg: User friendly security in pervasive environments; Stable and reliable functioning of the Internet; interoperability; consumer freedom of choice; Governance of new Digital Networks (management of crypto keys)

8. i2010Innovation and investment in research“Support regional capacity in ICT innovation and research” • ICT represents 30% of total R&D spending in Modern economies, in Europe is 18%, 1/3 of US and 30% lover than Japan. • European Aim: Double total investment in ICT RTD • SF can help to fund the building of the knowledge infrastructureand R&D capacity • Providing physical Research Infrastructure (computing and Networking facilities • Specialised Equipment, Facilities • Attracting Human Capital and developing Skills • Supporting Innovation Ecosystems (public research and private investments to engender leading edge innovation and new economic activities). • Attracting Industrial Investments by creating attractive conditions for access to key infrastructures and knowledge,which in turn can lead to complementary investments by industry. • Poles of Excellence in key ICT fields (Focus and prioritisation) • Leveraging industrial investments E.g. clean-rooms for nano-electronics

9. i2010Innovation and investment in researchResearch Infrastructures • DG REGIO and DG INFSO (and other DGs) participate in the Task Force for Infrastructures in FP7 created by DG RTD aimed at establishing cooperation on the issue of research infrastructures • e-Infrastructures in FP7 • Research Network Backbone GÉANT – articulation with National Research Networks • Grid Infrastructures – building upon national strategies and “gridifying” Nationa/ resources • Supercomputers/data storage – “networking” national resources to build high end distributed supercomputers in Europe • There are multiple examples in which e-Infrastructures in the Member States are supported by structural funds • E.g. Galician supercomputers funded by InterregIII • In FP7 Capacities, the definition of Research Infrastructures (and e-Infrastructures) is very much in line with the strategic support that the Cohesion policy may provide

10. i2010Innovation and investment in research“Adoption of ICT in Business (SMEs in particular)” • Objective: to foster local economic growth through new forms of dynamic business interactions, new technologies and services and local co-operation among small organisations and business communities. SF can help in: • the identification and support of local/regional catalysts (facilitators) helping the development of digital ecosystems: provide to SMEs and micro-enterprises how to apply latest IST research results, develop new models of business, facilitate SMEs networking within territorial ecosystems. • Interconnecting these catalysts at local, regional, inter-regional and European levels to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices in the use of ICT. • Supporting the creation of territorial business ecosystems and their networking andeBusiness skills • Establishment of centres for technology and innovation: To promote trans-national technology co-operation pertinent to regional businesses needs. To carry ou research on key issues such as: Ambient Intelligence technologies like Smart tags/RFIDs ; Interoperable services for businesses; Legal barriers)

11. i2010 Innovation and investment in research“Synergy and Complementary Measures” • 7th Framework Programme • SF support for centres of excellence can also underpin participation in the EU Framework Programmes for RTD (FP7). • SF could complement FP7 support for Research Infrastructure and Research Potential thereby helping to create partnerships between research centers/institutions between convergence and other regions across the EU • Competitiveness and Innovation Programme • Synergy actions in the fields of: • ICT uptake in businesses and administrations • Best Practice and Networking Actions

12. i2010 Inclusion, better public services and quality of life ICT for all • eAccessibility: research and stimulation measures to make ICT systems easier to use for a wider range of people (disabled, elderly etc.) • eInclusion: addressing issues such as equal opportunities, digital literacy and regional divides (Extend geographical coverage of broadband infrastructure in under-served areas, ref: DDF report). Better, more cost effective and more accessible Public services • ICT-enabled public services: (Action Plan on e-Government and strategic orientations on ICT-enabled public services). • ICT in Health and welfare systems • ICT for environmental sustainability. Quality of life (launch flagship ICT initiatives on key social challenges) • Caring for people in an ageing society • Smarter, safer and cleaner transport • Digital libraries: content for making multimedia sources easier and more interesting to use building on Europe’s rich heritage

13. i2010 Inclusion, better public services and quality of lifeeAccessibility Barrier free technologies Design-for-All: for access to mainstream technologies – (public services education health transport leisure business employment...) Intelligent systems for social inclusion Intelligent systems forIndependent living Empowering technologies Assistive Technology intelligent interfaces for personal devices Person . . . . Home/Work . . . Community . . . Society

14. i2010 Inclusion, better public services and quality of lifeeAccessibility • eAccessibility: Overcoming technical barriers that people with disabilities and others experience in participating to the information society Two main tools to develop eAccessibility: • Design for allfor access to mainstream technologies - (public services education health transport leisure business employment...) • Assistive technologies for personal devices providing Individual support for (personal realisation, interpersonal communication, social relations alarms, & emergency employment) How to increase accessibility to products and services: • SF could encourage the use of Design for all approach as technical requirements in Public Procurement for goods and services. (Public Procurement in Europe is about 16% of EU GDP). • European Public Procurement Directives mention the possibility to include DFA and accessibility requirements in conditions for tender (technical specifications) and award criteria as a possible ground for selecting bids. Use of public procurement would represent a clear commitment to an inclusion policy. • DFA in public procurement could encourages industrial companies to include accessibility as a built-in feature of their products and creates a larger market for accessible ICT. Eg: USA. DFA requirements in federal procurement.

15. i2010 Inclusion, better public services and quality of lifeeInclusion & eAccessibility Source: eInclusion@EU project

16. i2010 Inclusion, better public services and quality of lifeeInclusion & eAccessibility • Exclusion factors can be age, gender, ethnicity, cultural, financial, educational, related to unemployment, location or due to technical barriers to products and services. • SF can help in addressing these factors for a fully inclusive Information Society by: • Ensuring physical access to the technologies that support the Information Society • Facilitating individuals’ participation in new Information Society processes and services( eg: digital literacy to improve e-skills) • Empowering individuals and communities to take advantage of new opportunities offered by the Information Society leading to the creation of social capital. • Examples of e-inclusion technology-based actions: wider availability of broadband, advance robotics, the introduction of 3G mobile telephony and digital interactive television etc. offer significant new possibilities for communication, education, employment and entertainment

17. i2010 Inclusion, better public services and quality of life Technology and Older People • Trends…… • “Ageing Europe”: the grey market • Demographic factors are leading to more persons with one or more disabilities • In spite of an acquired disability - people want to stay socially, economically and politically active • A more accessible ICT technology will enable an increased social, economic, cultural and political participation from the ageing population SF can help to finance actions (including research) supporting the adoption of more accessible technologies • Technologies aimed at the general market, e.g. telephones, PC’s, tele-shopping • Technology products and services for seniors, e.g. stair-lifts, home alarms, hearing aids, walking aids • Technologies for persons who assist seniors e.g. Home-care communication systems, tele-medecine • NB: ICT actions in skill, digital literacy, support for the extension of the working life are covered by guideline 4.3. GUIDELINE : More and better jobs

18. i2010Inclusion, better public services and quality of life “BROADBAND ACCESS AND PUBLIC SUPPORT IN UNDER-SERVED AREAS • The issue dealt with by the Digital Divide Forum report which responds to the request by the White Paper on Space (2003) to set up a Forum on the broadband digital divide within the framework of eEurope. • The Report has gathered input from stakeholders represented in the Second Section of the eEurope group (e.g. industry, consumers, user groups, social partners and other interest groups), and from studies launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Commission. • As from 15th July the report will be open to public consultation to stimulate an on-line forum discussion on the best ways to enable broadband access to underserved areas. (www.europa.information-society/i2010/digital_divide/index )

19. i2010Inclusion, better public services and quality of life “BROADBAND ACCESS AND PUBLIC SUPPORT IN UNDER-SERVED AREAS Strengthen current policies • Primarily through i2010 and national broadband strategies, by taking into account the Integrated Guidelines for Growth and Jobs proposed by the Commission for the period 2005-2008 in the framework of the revised Lisbon strategy. • Public intervention should be based on the rules summarised in the “Guidelines on the use of Structural Funds for electronic communications”(2003). • Legislation is also being developed through state-aid decisions (DG COMP) Provide active assistance by using a website for regional and local authorities with the aim to: • bring together relevant information relating to policy and practice, including official documents concerning regulation, decisions regarding public interventions, case studies of successful applications, calls for tender for BB infrastructure and information on underserved areas and BB demand. • act as a tool for the exchange of best practices and a source of information for regional and local authorities. • provide information to a large number of operators about open tenders and plans of public intervention, facilitating the assessment of demand by operators regardless of the technology provided.

20. i2010Inclusion, better public services and quality of life“eGovernment” eGovernment Actions should: • be aligned with National and EU eGovernment policies: such as the eGovernment Action Plan 2010 within i2010 • EU eGovernment action includes pilots, validation, Research and development activities, the exchange of good practices, sharing building blocks and the evaluation of Economic and social impact as well as sustainability in the mid and long term • SF could focus on issues of major impactfor the specific geographical areas but having a multiplier impact for other areas as good practices, e.g.: • Enabling wide access (specially in remote areas/regions) • Use of Open Standards and ensuring interoperability • Upgrade skills in Public Administration (specially in the NMS) • Creating expertise centres

21. i2010Inclusion, better public services and quality of life“eGovernment” Aim at alignment with EU eGovernment policy by focusing on key issues • Putting in place key enablers • Sustained EU cooperation, e.g. good practice exchange, sharing building blocks, measurement and innovation framework, alignment EU programmes, continuous innovation • Electronic Identification & authentication for eGov. across borders in place; • Document recognition across borders in eGovt services; electronic archiving • Making a reality of efficient & effective eGovernment • Reduction administrative burden for businesses and citizens • Increase in efficiency, user satisfaction and Transparency • Advancing inclusive eGovernment for individuals and enterprises • (Inclusion increased measurably through eGovernment) • Delivering and adopting high impact services for businesses and citizens • Public e-procurement to become 100% available and used, nationally and cross-borders • Cross-border services for citizen and business mobility (study, employment, retirement)

22. i2010Inclusion, better public services and quality of life “eHealth” • eHealth will lead to INNOVATION AND INVESTMENT IN RESEARCH among both large-scale companies but also specially among SMEs. • eHealth also included in complementary measures associated with coordination, networking, and best practice. • eHealth’s role on inclusion, better services, and quality of life • eHealth action plan for a European eHealth Area’ - COM(2004)356 will contribute to the setting up of a single European health information space • The plan will require boosting investment in networks, infrastructure, interoperability which SF could help to finance • eHealth encourages best practice in European regions • to support European citizens’ and health professionals’ mobility, eHealth interoperabilityis essential

23. i2010Inclusion, better public services and quality of lifeSmarter, safer and cleaner transport The objective is to improve the quality of the living environment by supporting ICT solutions for safer mobility of people and good. Intelligent Cars Smarter Intelligent communication and interaction with other Vehicles and with the Transport infrastructure to improve efficiency and safety. Cleaner Improve traffic management through intelligent driver Assistance systems (including Real-Time Traffic and Travel Information (RTTI) and multi-modality), thus contributing to reduce polluting emissions. Safer Active ICT-based safety systems and devices helping to prevent and mitigate the impact of accidents.

24. i2010Inclusion, better public services and quality of lifeEnvironmental Sustainability: “Sustainable Risk Management” INFSO G5 • Prevention and Mitigation • Hazard prediction and modeling • Risk assessment and mapping • Spatial Planning • Structural non structural measures • Public Awareness & Education.. • Preparedness • Scenarios development • Emergency Planning • Training • Alert • Real time monitoring • & forecasting • Early warning • Secure &dependable telecom • Scenario identification • all media alarm • Reconstruction • Spatial planning • Re-establishing life-lines transport &communication infrastructure • Response • Dispatching of resources • Emergency telecom • Situational awareness • Command control coordination • Information dissemination • Early damage assessment • Emergency healthcare • Post Disaster • Lessons learnt • Scenario update • Socio-economic and environmental • impact assessment

25. i2010Inclusion, better public services and quality of life “DIGITAL LIBRARIES” • Objective: Make European content available as widely as possible over the Internet • Our cultural heritage: mostly on “analogue” format, available only through “physical” visits to archives and libraries • Digitisation will allow for on-line availability and preservation of “originals” but it is a costly process. • Regional funds could support digitisation efforts at local level and make their “culture heritage” known to the world