The information and communications technology (ICT) sector has proved itself to be one of Europe’s most dynamic sectors, being the driving force behind almost 50% of the EU’s productivity growth between 2000 and 2004. This is one of the conclusions of the European Commission's latest annual report on the digital economy and the i2010 strategy in particular.
According to this report, corporate investment and citizen take up of ICT is reflected not only by an increase in broadband connections (20.1 million new broadband lines connected in the EU in the year to October 2006), but also in the rapid growth in the online content market forecast for the next 5 years. On the other hand, although there has been progress in the development of online public services, the Commission calls on public authorities to ensure that all citizens are able to use these services effectively and so take their benefit from the information society.
The report goes on to set out the key issues that need to be addressed by the review of the i2010 strategy, which is planned to start in October 2007 during the Portuguese Presidency of the EU. Such issues include assessing the policy implications of emerging trends in networks and the Internet, strengthening the user perspective in ICT innovation; and removing artificial "national borders" for online services.
Looking more specifically at Portugal, the report concludes that, although the country continues to lag behind the European average, progress has been notably positive in 3G adoption and eGovernment. A range of national indicators are given, including on broadband, internet use, eGovernment, use ICT in schools, employment and skills, ICT sector growth and R&D.
Further information:
- Com.Comissão: 'i2010 - Annual Information Society Report 2007' http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/eeurope/i2010/docs/annual_report/2007/070329_com_en.pdf
- Doc trab Comissão: Vol. I http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/eeurope/i2010/docs/annual_report/2007/070313_swp_volume_1.pdf
- Doc trabalho Comissão: Vol. II http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/eeurope/i2010/docs/annual_report/2007/070315_swp_volume_2.pdf
- 'i2010 Annual Report 2007- Portugal' http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/newsroom/cf/document.cfm?action=display&doc_id=243
- Press Release: ICT drives 50% of EU growth, says Commission's annual report on the digital economy http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/07/453&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
- Press Pack: i2010 Annual Report 2007 http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/newsroom/cf/itemlongdetail.cfm?item_id=3303
- Annual Reports on i2010 Strategy http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/eeurope/i2010/annual_report/index_en.htm
Related information on ANACOM's website:
- EU - European Union https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?categoryId=66653
- Information society https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?categoryId=118259
- Broadband area https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?categoryId=177623
