News

Today, the EU Commission has published its long awaited Digital Agenda for Europe that is supposed to boost the economic growth and to pave the way for an inclusive digital society. Recognising that the ICT sector is already a key driver of the European economy (with a value added of around 600 billion € and 4.8% of GDP), the new strategy outlines seven priority areas for action with the aim of using ICTs to their full socio-economic potential:

- Creating a digital single market,

- Greater interoperability,

- Improving internet trust and security,

- Providing faster internet access,

- Increase investment in R&D,

- Enhance digital literacy skills,

- Applying ICT to address societal challenges.



Among the various actions outlined by the Commission are e.g. the adoption of a broadband communication in 2010 laying down a common framework for the funding of high-speed broadband, a European Spectrum Policy Programme and a Recommendation on Next Generation Access Networks. Member States should take further measures to facilitate broadband investment. Moreover, a public consultation on net neutrality will be launched before the summer.

Concerning the improvement of ICT skills, the Commission proposes for instance to develop a European Framework for ICT Professionalism, to launch a sectoral council for ICT skills and employment and to promote women in the ICT workforce.



Earlier this week, the Commission has published a report analysing the situation of the European ICT industry in depth. With regard to employment, the report shows that nearly all EU countries have lost employment in telecom services whereas there is an overall increase of jobs in the computer services and software industry in Europe. The report reveals further interesting facts, e.g. the main barriers to broadband take-up for households that are mainly a perceived lack of need for high-speed internet, equipment and access costs or the lack of access in rural areas.



A separate study on the social impact of ICT shows that the effect of ICT investments on productivity is positive if it is coupled with effective organisational changes. This should imply an increase in worker participation, self-responsibility and job autonomy. The key findings of the study in relation to the impact of ICTs on work are that technology policies should support workers’ competences rather than substituting them; that staff participation in decision-making processes is important and that ICT skills must be improved for workers and unemployed people alike. In addition, the study outlines that though ICTs have positive impacts such as growing mobility and flexible work organisation, there is a negative development of “neo-Taylorist work forms”, e.g. in call centres.



UNI Europa ICTS welcomes the Digital Agenda’s recommendations in many key areas but still needs to see a greater focus on ensuring that high quality social standards are maintained as investments to create jobs move forward.



More information about the digital agenda can be found on this website; the report on digital competitiveness and related studies can be found here.