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07/06/2006 Fostering the competitiveness of Europe's ICT industry: Commission launches Task Force |
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The information and communication technology (ICT) sector is a key contributor to growth in the EU. Meeting for the first time today, the new Task Force – launched by the European Commission – will tackle barriers to competition and the competitiveness of the ICT sector.
Today’s meeting kicks off a 5-month debate on challenges to ICT producers and users, in particular on the challenges and opportunities created by the convergence of digital networks, content and devices. It will identify major obstacles for competitiveness of Europe’s ICT industry and for the completion of the internal market for this sector.
The Task Force will recommend possible policy responses. It will deliver its report to the Commission by the end of the year. The ICT Task Force is composed of high-level representatives of the ICT industry and of civil society. This is one of several Commission initiatives that aim to help create a more favourable environment for business in the EU.
Vice-President Günter Verheugen, responsible for enterprise and industrial policy, said: “This Task Force should provide us with new ideas and coherent recommendations to promote the competitiveness of the Europe’s ICT industry. This is an important element of our new industrial policy.”
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