Encourage synergies between the different funding mechanisms and between the public and private sector so as to put in place high-quality and affordable infrastructure capable of supporting cloud computing, big data and high-speed broadband connections.
Prioritize providing people with the digital and entrepreneurial skills that enable them to make full use of new technologies, analyse big data, understand issues of cybersecurity, increase their employability and create new business opportunities.
Establishing a flexible regulatory framework on EU, national and subnational level that reduces the cost and facilitates the creation and operation of ICT-business while allowing easy access to financing and encouraging innovation, including evaluation and reward policies.
Promote the key role and potential of local and regional authorities with respect to digital training of citizens, creation and management of digital infrastructure – often in cross-border or interregional collaboration – the innovation and entrepreneurial discovery process and implementation of eGovernment should be considered in all future legislation to complete the digital single market.
THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS points out that:
- Investment in ICT can contribute more to regional growth than other capital investment. Therefore, the CoR recommends prioritising the completion of the Digital Single Market by 2015 and addressing the investment needs of telecoms infrastructure, so that it is capable of supporting cloud computing, big data and high-speed broadband connections. Making full use of the EU structural funds, facilitating the right mix of public and private investment, using other financing sources like the European Investment Bank and setting the right regulatory framework are therefore essential;
- The key role of local and regional authorities with respect to digital training of citizens, creation and management of digital infrastructure – often in cross-border or interregional collaboration – the innovation and entrepreneurial discovery process and implementation of eGovernment should be considered in all future legislation to complete the digital single market;
- EU, national, regional and local authorities should make it a priority to provide people with the digital and entrepreneurial skills that enable them to make full use of new technologies, analyse big data, understand issues of cybersecurity, increase their employability and create new business opportunities;
- EU, national and subnational authorities should aim to establish a flexible regulatory framework that reduces the cost and facilitates the creation and operation of ICT-business while allowing easy access to financing and encouraging innovation, including evaluation and reward policies;
- Digitisation should be promoted by adopting complementary business models which can be used for instance by social enterprises and third-sector operators to produce services not covered by the public sector and where the private sector does not yet see business opportunities.