European ICT News

The aim of this Workshop is to explore the state-of-the-art topics of graphene (fabrication, transfer, properties, applications, etc.). The workshop will bring together leading experts and young researchers involved in surface science studies of the structural and physical properties, in the production of graphene from metallic supports (including device fabrication), and in theoretical investigations.

DG CNECT has now launched an open-procedure public procurement for the study: "Best practices for ICT procurement based on standards in order to promote efficiency and reduce lock-in" - SMART 2013/0048 The subject matter of the contract is described under the following context: The European Commission has developed a "Guide for the procurement of standards-based ICT: Elements of Good Practice" in the context of Action 23 of the Digital Agenda of Europe. The objective of this study is to support the European Commission in disseminating the Guide, organise meetings with stakeholders that are affected by the guide and to share best practices on the application of the guide. Please find full documentation in the link below. The deadline for tender submissions is 16/08/2013

Europeans have reacted angrily to revelations that US authorities had tapped the servers of internet companies for personal data, saying such activity confirmed their fears about American Web giants' reach and showed that tighter regulations were needed just as the EU and US are about to launch transatlantic trade talks.

Europe lacks a genuine single market for electronic communications. The Union is fragmented into distinct national markets and as a result Europe is losing out on a major source of potential growth.

CEOs and senior board members from the world's digital, media and tech companies have met in Brussels to report directly to Commission Vice President Neelie Kroes on how they are making the internet a better, and safer, place for kids, through the work of the CEO Coalition set up by the Vice-President at the end of 2011.

Vice-President Neelie Kroes, responsible for the Digital Agenda, represented the European Commission and participated in a policy debate on a telecoms Single Market and the role of ICT in the implementation of the Digital Agenda. She also took part in the debate on web accessibility, cybersecurity and electronic identification and trust services for transactions in the internal market (eIDAS).

One of the things Europe needs today is digital skills. At some level, they're essential for almost any job. But there's also a huge demand for high-quality skills; including many jobs that didn't even exist 10 years ago.

The Better Internet for Kids Channel contains audiovisual material related to BIK activities such as Safer Internet initiatives, CEO Coalition to make  the Internet a Better Place for Kids and other activities.

Ciudades inteligentes a debate - Mercè Griera i Fisa de 'Smart cities & Sustainability' de la Comisión Europea, en La 2 de TVE, 17 mayo 2013.

Marking the successful conclusion of the Open Innovation 2.0 Conference held at Dublin Castle the EU Open Innovation Strategy and Policy Group (OISPG) have released a paper entitled ‘Open Innovation 2.0 – A New Paradigm’ which outlines the key emerging characteristics and practices of Open Innovation 2.0 (OI2) and how it can practically help address key European challenges.

EXCLUSIVE / EU justice ministers meeting in Luxembourg today (6 June) are expected to consider giving EU institutions a sweeping exemption from new data protection rules.

Those opposed to a financial transaction tax, or Tobin tax, have been pushing myths about in an attempt to discredit the tax, argues Suleika Reiners. One of these myths is that businesses oppose the tax.

Net neutrality can be a polarising debate. And if the net neutrality debate shows anything, it is how important the internet has become. Not just basic broadband, but high quality connections that are open, fast, enabling. Connectivity is at the heart of our innovative future. And people care about it deeply.

Our newsletter brings you the latest in next-gen telecommunications: events, funding and research success. Enjoy reading!

A spat between two MEPs responsible for leading the updated data protection regulation through the European Parliament has exposed rifts between lawmakers attempting to negotiate the new rules, and reinforced fears that the proposals are running out of time.

The AALIANCE2 Repository of Standards, which is a reference database of all standards and publicly available specifications that are of relevance for the AAL sector, is now available online. AALIANCE2 would like to establish a community that keeps the repository "alive" and up-to-date. Volunteers who would be able and willing to contribute are absolutely welcome.

During the eHealth Week in Dublin last May, the Greek Delegation announced its intention to organize the next High-level eHealth Conference and associated events under the Greek Presidency. The Greek Presidency aims to encourage Member States to step up their efforts in developing national commitments, policies and initiatives supporting the implementation at large scale of the six Action Plans of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing. Industry will have an important role in this event, to acknowledge its crucial role as an enabler of innovation.

With the highest unemployment since the introduction of the euro, and a shortage of skills in the technology sector, Europe needs to tap into the emerging data revolution, writes John Boswell.