39 million euros for Information and Communication Technologies Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
The European Commission has given notice of the launch of the call for proposals under the work programme for 2008 of the Information and Communication Technologies Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP) as part of the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (2007 to 2013). The Call has an allotted 39 million euros.
The ICT Policy Support Programme (or ICT PSP) aims at stimulating innovation and competitiveness through the wider uptake and best use of ICT by citizens, governments and businesses. The programme builds on the aims of the previous e-TEN, Modinis and e-Content programmes and will support the aims of the new integrated strategy i2010 - European Information Society 2010.
Objectives
The ICT PSP aims at stimulating innovation and competitiveness through the wider uptake and best use of ICT by citizens, governments and businesses. Despite progress in the uptake of ICT in Europe, Europe can do better in terms of exploiting these technologies. Businesses, in particular SMEs, can make more and better use of ICT to innovate in products, services and
processes, and public organisations can take more advantage of advances in ICT in order to provide more efficient and higher quality services.
SMES and the ICT PSP
The Programme will build on and complement national, regional and other EU initiatives for SMEs. In particular, the ICT PSP will:
- Accelerate the deployment of EU-wide services of public interest that are of direct benefit to SMEs.
- Help avoid fragmentation of the EU market for innovative ICT based services and products notably in areas of public interest.
- Fund the participation of SMEs supplying innovative ICT-based solutions in pilots and networking activities together with the main users of these solutions.
The deadline for presentation of proposals is September 9th 2008.
What is the i2010 strategy?
The EU strategic framework, i2010 – A European Information Society for growth and employment - promotes an open, innovative and competitive digital economy and emphasises ICT as a driver of inclusion and quality of life. As a key element of the renewed
Lisbon partnership for growth and jobs, i2010 builds an integrated approach to the
information society and audio-visual media policies in the EU.