Commissioner Bangemann highlights "digital cities" initiative at "Europe and the global information society" conference On the occasion of the conference on "Europe and the global information society" held in Bologna on 30 March 1995, Commissioner Martin Bangemann invited Europe's cities to undertake ambitious projects to stimulate the transition to the information society by promoting the "dig... On the occasion of the conference on "Europe and the global information society" held in Bologna on 30 March 1995, Commissioner Martin Bangemann invited Europe's cities to undertake ambitious projects to stimulate the transition to the information society by promoting the "digital city". The projects include: - The use of alternative networks to provide early experience of the new competitive environment; - Fostering innovative technological solutions in public administrations, for example through electronic tendering in public procurement; - Stimulating the deployment of new approaches to the provision of more citizen-oriented and efficient public services. Mr. Bangemann highlighted the fact that cities are not just users of information and communication technologies applications, but are also the owners of networks and the providers of services. He also noted that the information society will change the character of public administrations. He therefore welcomed the pilot schemes being launched by cities throughout Europe to build "digital cities", as the results and experiences would benefit all those affected by the information society. Mr. Bangemann is keen to bring these activities together to create the critical mass necessary to stimulate the provisions of new services and the creation of new jobs. To contribute to the exchange of experiences, the Commission's Information Society Project Office (ISPO) is making an inventory of the pilot schemes. For a list of the "digital cities", see the text (TXT) field of this news item.
