EU (European Union) has planned to invest US$ 12 Billion for development of ICT (Information & Communication Technologies) in the next 7 years, reports ZDNet on November 27 2006.
EU's Information Society & Media Commissioner, Viviane Reding said that funding would boost ICT research in EU region & is intended at states, academia & industry to help building a highly competitive Europe.
This ICT investment is largest individual component in US$ 69.6 Billion FP7 (7th 'research framework program') that will continue till 2013. In last six framework programs, Germany has received the highest funding among all EU member states & the trend is likely to continue this time as well.
Distribution of funding will be based on series of 'calls to tender' open bids & first call, worth US$ 1.6 Billion, will take place in spring of 2007, which will be largest call ever made in EU's history.
EU aims to distribute the funding on the basis of capability & not on nationality. EU has defined 2 broad project categories for which the funding is intended.
One category of projects will involve flagship projects that will have visible results aimed at improving transport & healthcare services, energy efficiency etc. to enhance everyday life.
Another flagship project will focus on 'ICT for ageing society' aimed at helping elderly patients. One project will focus on 'ICT for sustainable development' that will include work to reduce energy consumption in electric devices. Fourth project will focus on making 'digital libraries', to aid digitization of records or archive material.
Other funding category will be based on fundamental research on areas like nanotechnology, photonics, robotics, cognitive systems & embedded systems- technologies in which Europe is already seen as strong player.
As per an analyst at RNCOS, Europe's position in this highly competitive international market will rely on its ability to remain up-to-date in ICT research. Efficiency of technologies implemented by firms to store, transmit, manipulate & receive data will be a key factor in deciding Europe's position in global market.
EU said that Europe has been suffering competitive disadvantage compared to US due to lack of co-ordination & co-operation between private & public sectors.
Related Market Research Reports:
Srilankan ICT Market Analysis
Global IT Security Market Forecast to 2012
3G Market Forecast to 2010
