A European way for the Information Society
To ensure full participation in all areas of society, access to modern information and telecommunication networks for all citizens is becoming increasingly important, concludes the annual report of the Information Society Forum, an independent advisory group set up by the European Commission. The report, entitled 'A European Way for the Information Society', was welcomed by the Commission. Erkki Liikanen, Commissioner for Enterprise and the Information Society said he believed the report will make a significant contribution to the debate on a number of important issues in the Information Society. The Forum suggests that a distinctive European Way for the Information Society has much to offer in finding a balance between the competing concerns of economic growth, social and ecological concerns. The document confirms that new technologies are becoming increasingly central to modern life in industrialised countries, and points out that the Information Society is a global society as communication and information networks override distance and border considerations. The Forum states that information and communication technologies offer the potential for economic growth and increased prosperity if the appropriate measures are taken, particularly regarding education and training. Open markets are the best way of ensuring economic efficiency, says the report. In the telecommunications sector, the Forum recommended further action regarding competition in order to bring about lower access prices for consumers and businesses, a suggestion especially welcomed by Mr Liikanen. The Finnish Commissioner said he shared the Forum's view on education as the best means of achieving a high level of digital literacy. He also appreciates the Forum's general priority of creating an inclusive Information Society by promoting an 'Internet for all'. These issues are currently a top priority for the Commission in the context of the eEurope initiative, launched in December 1999.