Trans-regional study of telematics applications
A study entitled "Options for inter-regional cooperation in the transfer and customization of telematic applications", carried out on behalf of the European Commission, has recently been published. The aim of the study was to analyse and define the procedures for trans-regional transfer of telematic applications, in order to draw lessons for a possible contribution at Community level. After selecting existing applications likely to be successfully transferred in three countries (Spain, France and Italy), the consortium carrying out the study were able to identify possible recipient regions for these applications, and in certain cases establish pilot transfer projects. The study found four areas which need to be considered for successful transfer of applications. These are: - The competence chain necessary for the conception and installation of telematic applications must cover all aspects - financial, technical, organizational and functional; - Transfer ethics, referring to the transfer of applications at marginal costs, whilst at the same time transferring skills and know-how; - Transfer objectives may vary, and therefore different types of support action are needed; - The participants involved in the transfer must be tailored to the transfer objectives and the context of the application. The study concludes by suggesting that transfer of applications may be included in either regional development policy, or in an industrial policy aimed at opening up new markets. However it notes that transfer policy should be considered separately from development policy, and that each case should be considered individually.