Commission launches open consultation on e-economy
On 1 February the European Commission launched an online consultation on the EU policy agenda for helping European enterprises to take full advantage of the e-economy. The consultation aims to gather stakeholders' input on the inclusion of an e-dimension into all policies affecting enterprises. The Commission's e-economy priorities include measures to boost the creation of a clear and predictable framework for e-business, foster the full participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the e-economy and improve the availability of risk capital and market-based financing. Announcing the launch of the consultation, Enterprise and Information Society Commissioner Erkki Liikanen said: 'Electronic commerce and the e-economy in general represent a key factor of economic growth, and are therefore instrumental in meeting the March 2000 Lisbon European Council goal of turning the EU into the most competitive knowledge-based economy in the world in the next decade.' He added: 'Stakeholder consultation is a fundamental element of our strategy for helping European enterprises take up new technologies and we are delivering on our commitment to help them to do so.' A recent communication on the impact of the e-economy on European enterprises reviewed current progress towards the e-economy and highlighted the next steps to be taken to encourage European enterprises to seize the opportunities offered by electronic commerce. These include steps to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, upgrade information and communication technology (ICT) skills and improve the functioning of the internal market. The communication was welcomed at the EU Industry Council on 5 December last year. Discussions on following up the communication are currently underway with Member States. Those wishing to participate in the consultation are invited to submit their contributions by 31 March 2002. The stakeholder input gathered during the consultation will help preparations for the next meeting of the Industry Council on 6 June this year.