Information technology can unlock potential of an enlarged Europe, EBS delegates hear
New information technologies (IT) can unlock personal and economic potential in an enlarged Europe, delegates heard at the closing day of the European Business Summit in Brussels on 7 June. Jean-Philippe Courtois, president of Microsoft EMEA, said in a speech at the closing session that IT is a means of 'unleashing the potential of the vast resources that lie in an enlarged Europe.' Innovation, integration and entrepreneurship are key priorities for unlocking this potential, he added. IT can make a direct contribution to economic growth in Europe, said Mr Courtois. In Eastern Europe today, the software industry is worth 4 billion dollars a year, he explained, and new information technologies can help countries to 'leapfrog' to greater economic growth and integration with the EU through education and public services such as e-government and e-health. 'I believe passionately that technology can contribute to freedom...freedom of information, freedom to get educated,' he said. He called on governments and industry to work together to remove barriers to people realising their potential through information technology.