ICT 2010 "Digitally Driven" continued a series of biennial events organised by the European Commission that have become a gathering point for researchers, business people, investors, and high level policy makers in the field of digital innovation.
The opening address by European Commissioner Neelie Kroes, Vice President for the Digital Agenda, stressed the importance of public funding and support for ICT research and innovation. During the event the European Commission announced one of the biggest calls ever for ICT research proposals under the EU's research framework programmes. It will result in project funding of € 780 million in 2011. This funding especially aims to advance research on the future internet, robotics, smart and embedded systems, photonics, ICT for energy efficiency, as well as health and well-being in an ageing society.
The so-called 'International Village' was one of the best visited areas of the exhibition. Five projects (IncoNet CA/SC, EXTEND, ISTOK-SOYUZ, SCUBE-ICT, EU-RU.NET) had joined forces to promote the ICT - and general - research competence of Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the South Caucasus countries. Both the incrEAST web portal as well as the EECA ICT gateway were presented and visitors found extensive information on how to set up research cooperation with the featured regions.
Visitors included researchers, entrepreneurs and public sector representatives from both the EU and other countries worldwide. The EECA stand enjoyed constant and vivid visitor traffic. Many expressed their interest in cooperation and their wish for easier access to information about available cooperation partners and funding opportunities.
The two presented web portals with their connetcted databases and newsletters offer a good introduction and are being expanded continuously.
