ICT Market in Europe

ICTs and regional policy   Europe's Regional Policies and Information Society Policies share a number of key aims. First, the EU supports the provision of telecommunications infrastructure, particularly in those cases where market conditions do not result in sufficient investment in certain areas. The eEurope Action Plan 2005 identifies broadband access as a particularly important issue. EU regional policy also aims to stimulate new electronic services and innovative ICT applications. This can range from e-commerce (using the Internet as a business tool) to the electronic provision of public services and information, and e-Government - the use of ICT by public administrations to consult with citizens and exchange best practice. Finally, it is a main aim of policymakers to ensure that people have the necessary skills and capabilities to make the most of the opportunities created by the Information Society. This includes being able to make use of distance learning, and being trained in the skills that are necessary in the modern business world .

Structural Funds, Research & Innovation   The Structural Funds are a key tool in implementing these policies, channeling over 10 billion Euros into Information Society activities across Europe - see Structural Funds and the Information Society. At the same time, there are important connections between regional policy and research. Europe's regions are encouraged in particular to participate in the EU's IST research activities - see Structural actions in support of research and innovation. Regional development depends very much on the capacity to innovate, and a spirit of entrepreneurship in realising the benefits of ICT. The Regional Programmes of Innovative Actions (2000-2006) - an instrument of the Structural Funds - specifically targets fostering innovation. Under this instrument, 156 EU regions can apply for a contribution of up to 3 million euro towards a short regional programme. Among the three key themes are "knowledge and technological innovation" and "the information society at the service of regional development" ("e-Europe Regio").