Europe's recovery will be digital

Technology to aid economic resurgence, says European Commission

EC: Investment in technology is essential to boost European growth

The European Commission (EC) has called for "smart actions" to aid European economic recovery, and said that increased investment in technology is essential to drive growth.

Speaking during a press conference in Brussels yesterday, EC president José Manuel Barroso said that technology plays a prominent role in the organisation's European economic recovery plan.

Barroso highlighted the importance of rapid deployment of digital technologies, and said that implementing high-speed internet connections is "as important as building the railways in the 19th century".

Specific IT-related measures suggested by the EC include acceleration of investments in high-speed networks, as well as an additional commitment of €5bn for trans-European energy interconnections and broadband infrastructure projects.

"The plan sets out a comprehensive longer-term strategy based on smart investment now and in the future, and is based on investment both in people and in business, including investment in skills, energy efficiency, infrastructure, interconnectivity, innovation and clean technology," said Barroso.

"This is how we ensure that the short-term fiscal stimulus is also a platform for sustainable growth and jobs in the future. It shall reach all across the board of the economy, from the auto industry to the construction sector."

The IT-based proposals to make Europe more competitive, and to take advantage when global growth returns, were praised by the European Information & Communications Technology Industry Association (EICTA).

"We are glad that the Commission has understood that the internet and the digital revolution need real political commitment and fiscal incentives to ensure a rapid return to growth and prosperity in Europe," said Mark MacGann, director general at EICTA.