ESC Opinion on the European telecommunications equipment industry, state of play, issues at stake and proposals for action
An Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee of 22.9.1993 now published in the Official Journal, concerns the Commission communication entitled "The European telecommunications industry: State of play, issues at stake and proposals for action" (SEC(92) 1049 of 15.6.1993). The Committee considers that the main aim in this sector should be to put into effect a clear and consistent EC strategy which includes the active involvement of non-member countries in Eastern Europe and the former USSR. Such a strategy should comprise the following major goals: - Pressing ahead with standardization of design and component criteria and maximizing harmonization between telecommunications service providers; - Harnessing RTD resources to assist European companies; - Encouraging the development of Europe's major companies and a stronger supporting base for SMEs; - Promoting the training and retraining of a skilled workforce in all relevant areas of productive activity. The Committee generally agrees with the four objectives identified in the Commission communication, namely, the establishment of a real internal market, support for technological development, the improvement of the position of terminal equipment manufacturers and the search for fair conditions of competition in the world market, but would like to stress the importance of European terminal equipment manufacturers regaining design leadership in their field. In addition to the measures set out in the Commission communication, the ESC believes that particular attention should be paid to the following aspects: - Fair world trade conditions; - Research and development; - R&D financing; - Standardization; - Technical design and the assessment of technological implications; - Programmes aimed at improving infrastructure at Community level; - Qualifications, job security and training policy.