London hosts first EU technology forum

London is hosting the European Information Society 2010 conference

Business leaders and politicians are meeting in London today to design a plan to make the EU the world's technology leader by 2010. 

The European Information Society 2010 (i2010) project is designed to reverse productivity declines in Europe and make the trading bloc more competitive against US and Asian rivals.

It includes deregulation of some information and communication technology (ICT) sectors, ensuring an open market across Europe and guaranteeing that the benefits of growth are shared among EU citizens.

"ICT is economically crucial," said Viviane Reding, EU Commissioner for Information Society and Media, in her keynote.

"The sector represents five per cent of EU GDP. This five per cent drives 25 per cent of growth and 40 per cent of increases in productivity. It sounds good but we could do better; the US ICT sector gives 60 per cent productivity growth. "

Britain is hosting the i2010 conference as befits its role as the current president of the EU. Minister for Industry and the Regions Alun Michael opened the conference and called on business and government to work together to build new industries and make sure they reach everyone.

"The widening digital divide is the new threat," he warned. "I will take responsibility for a national digital strategy to see that everyone benefits from advances in digital technology."

The day-long conference will be followed by five separate invitation only events around the country over the next five months. The aim is to facilitate and augment the basic i2010 framework with practical suggestions.