"If we strike the right balance, this law will stimulate the digital economy and help create jobs while also enhancing the trustworthiness and security of cross-border trade", said Marita Ulvskog (S&D, SE), who leads Parliament's work on the draft law. ”It will also make it easier for citizens to deal with public authorities when working or studying abroad. An electronic ID should be accepted across Europe, just like a passport or national ID card" she added.
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This has been the major finding of the ground breaking EU-funded ITEC (Innovative Technologies for Engaging Classrooms) project, which since 2010 has sought to bring about a transformation in learning and teaching through the application of advanced learning technology.
With 90% of all jobs in Europe requiring e-skills by 2015, jobs for highly qualified specialists are expected to rise by 16 million between 2013 and 2020. This anticipated growth coupled with on-going technological developments could result in demand seriously exceeding supply, in turn stunting innovation and global competitiveness.
Smart cities mean better urban services, less waste, and citizens empowered to make a difference. This is about improving the lives of millions of Europeans, building a stronger society, and making better use of all our resources.
ICT, digital technology, has a big role to play here. It can boost productivity, make services more efficient, and stimulate new ideas and innovations. In pretty much every economic sector.
Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude is responsible for the U.K.’s Government Digital Service and is a co-chairman of the Open Government Partnership, an international body that aims “to promote transparency, empower citizens, fight corruption, and harness new technologies to strengthen governance.”
Read more: EU: Open Government and Open Data Are Not The Same Thing