Information and Communication Technology services and applications are developing fast in today's global economy. At the same time, ICT products and services have become an integral part of our everyday life. Europe must create a n environment which meets both industry's needs and societys expectations; to promote the competitiveness of European industry while ensuring that all citizens can further benefit from the opportunities created by the Information Society.
The European standardisation system aims to balance industrial requirements with society's expectations and to provide public authorities with the standards they need to help them implement legislation in support of agreed policies. However, there were concerns that the European ICT standardisation policy could not respond to these expectations to the degree required. The European Commission therefore launched a study on "The specific policy needs for ICT standardisation" to analyse the current state of European ICT standardisation policy and to present recommendations for its future development. First discussions on the results of the study including its recommendations for a new policy direction, have been held with a number of key stakeholders.
Given the critical importance of an efficient European ICT standardisation policy, the European Commission is now organising an open meeting in the Charlemagne Building, Rue de la Loi / Wetstraat 170, Brussels on 12 February 2008 to present and discuss the study recommendations more widely with all interested parties.
For further informtion information and registration, please visit:
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/ict/policy/standards/cf2008_en.htm