New eEurope initiative to help SMEs take on e-commerce challenge
A new eEurope initiative - the Euro Info Centres' (EIC) e-business campaign - has been launched to help SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) get involved in e-commerce. The e-business campaign, part of the EIC business support network, has been launched under the 'GoDigital' action of the European Commission's eEurope programme. It will offer a range of services targeted to the needs of business in individual countries. This will include talks and workshops on the practical aspects of e-commerce, audits, advice on strategy, and the establishment of pilot business groups. Follow-up will also be provided for each operation for a period of six months, during which SMEs will be given support to help them examine new options and evaluate their approach. GoDigital is an eEurope initiative which aims to encourage more SMEs to use e-commerce through the provision of information and practical advice. GoDigital is currently being run in 18 countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The eEurope initiative was launched by the European Commission in December 1999. Endorsed by the Member States in June 2000, it aims to improve European competitiveness in the field of information and communication technologies.