Robert Verrue of DG XIII highlights challenges for European multimedia industry
The INFO2000 conference for multimedia firms in Vienna at the weekend highlighted the successes of the European Commission's INFO2000 programme and the coming challenges for Europe's industry in the field. Speaking at the Austrian meeting, Robert Verrue, Director-General of DG XIII, said that the central issue was how best to build on the activities of the INFO2000 programme in the future. He focused on three subjects. First, the distinct European view of the information society and the roles that both the public and private sector have to play in creating it. Second, the approach of the European Union towards the multimedia content industries in the coming years. And third, the role of the European Commission, particularly taking into account the impact of network developments and the need to take a global approach. Content he said is the key enabler of the information society. The EU has in place a coherent policy covering vision building, the regulatory framework and instruments for experimentation. But while Europe is undoubtedly strong in traditional content creation, it is lagging behind in the emerging areas. EU action is urgently needed to facilitate risk capital, unleash public sector information, address language issues and support the global framework.