European CommissionInformation Society Directorate-General

«Regional aspects; International Co-operation»

olivier.pascal@cec.eu.intolivier.pascal@cec.eu.int

Regional priorities in information society policy

7 priority areas

Infrastructure access, in particular broadband

E-government

Measuring regional disparities : regional indicators and benchmarking

Regional networking: exchange of best practices/contribution to policies

7 priority areas (cont’)7 priority areas (cont’)

The international dimension

Enlargement

RTD and innovation

7 priority areas (cont’)7 priority areas (cont’)7 priority areas (cont’)7 priority areas (cont’)

Broadband infrastructureBroadband infrastructure

Strategies for broadband deployment beyond urban areas

Third party infrastructure provider that constructsand manages broadband infrastructure: competitiveaccess to operators on a cost-oriented basis

A multi-platform approach anda strict technological neutrality

Partnership with private sector

Broadband infrastructure : Broadband infrastructure : Structural Funds supportStructural Funds support

Compliance with telecom regulations and competition rules (state aids and antitrust) )

Passive/active infrastructures

Co-financing is accepted on principle, wherethere is no market response

Regional information society strategy/cost-benefit analysis of projects

E-GovernmentE-Government

New forms of governance with a specific role for local authorities

Benchmarking progress in Europe, incl at regional level

A major Community commitment from the start on :

- defining a political perspective- sharing experiences- developing the trans-European dimension

E-Government : main challengesE-Government : main challenges

Re-organising for e-Government and decentralising

Governance

Exploiting broadband at all territorial levels

Equal access and transparency

E-Government : main challengesE-Government : main challenges

Pan-European services, incl interregional cooperation

Trust and confidence

Regional benchmarkingRegional benchmarking

Essential for measuring disparities andfor evaluating public service policies

Consistent with eEurope indicators,European projects (BISER), and regional plans((Emilia-Romagna, Aquitaine..)..)

A common framework for indicatorsand data collection at regional level

Regional networkingRegional networking

Essential for exchanging best practicesand defining framework on priority issues

Participation to policy definition

Already existing organisations: Erisa/Ianis,CEMR/Elanet, Telecities, GCD..

International dimension and the WSISInternational dimension and the WSIS

Objective: to cooperate in order to reinforce regionsglobal competitiveness and fight digital divide

World Summit on Information Society: Geneva Dec 2003/Tunis 2005

Growing recognition of the role of “local authorities”in the diffusion of IS globally

EnlargementEnlargement

A new challenge for regional policies:25% of population will live in LFRs, amongwhich 60% in new MS

Assessing candidate countries operational programmes for the period 2004-2006 and preparing for the next SFs

Towards a single IS integrated strategy andco-ordination mechanism

Research and innovation policiesResearch and innovation policiesPromoting innovation is key to regionalpolicy efforts and competitiveness in theknowledge economy

Requires new policy instruments and policy deliverysystems incl active public private partnerships

Regional innovation strategies are a first step, inclanalysing innovation needs from SMEs and buildinghuman capital

Improved regional dimension in FP6