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The European Commission is planning a new agenda for the European information society for the period 2010 to 2015.

The purpose of the new agenda will be to meet the emerging challenges for the EU in this field, create the necessary infrastructure(s) and unlock the potential of Internet and ICT technologies. The BDI has submitted a position paper setting out industry’s expectations in the framework of an EU consultation. The results will be discussed at a conference in November currently being organised by the EU Council Presidency.

The importance of networked information and communication infrastructures and services will increase dramatically worldwide. Up to 40% of Europe-wide economic growth and 80% of innovations in the mobility sector and mechanical engineering can already be traced back to deployment of information and communication technologies (ICT). Through effective use of modern ICT, Europe’s business sector could create up to two million new jobs. At the same time, networked services made in Europe would enhance the quality of work and leisure.

Europe needs stable and forward-looking framework conditions. This presupposes a coherent policy for ICT issues that straddle disciplines, coupled with a carefully thought-out framework for sector-specific themes. Universally applicable principles for a European ICT policy include:

• taking ICT solutions into account as regards the challenges facing the economy and society,
• encouraging privately financed broadband roll-out through innovation-friendly regulation,
• promoting technical standardisation and interoperability,
• defining and implementing research priorities,
• enhancing confidence and risk-awareness in the use of ICT and
• adapting data protection and copyright to changed needs.

For a strong information society, selected ICT areas must be promoted by politics. One core area is constituted by green information technologies (»green IT«) which enable a considerable increase in energy and cost efficiency thanks to the use of ICT in commercial and private applications. Other fields relate
to intelligent transport systems (ITS), electronic public administration, networked healthcare as well as multimedia education and training service offers. In the media and creative industries, policy measures should take full account of radical changes in the sector.

The next few years will be decisive for Europe’s future in the digital era. Inadequate political coordination and unilateral action in specific ICT sectors endanger jeopardise Europe’s position as a business location. Hence, ICT policy must be coordinated at the highest level and enshrined as a core element of a post-Lisbon strategy.