16-06-2008

As an information society, Europe is successful. ICT and digital technology plays an increasingly important role in all of our lives – both at work and play. However, for 200 million people outside of the information society, whether that is due to low levels of education or income, disability, cultural differences, being older, living in a rural area or any combination of these, they are increasingly missing out socially and economically on the benefits that technology is providing for society. Estimates of the economic benefit of a more digitally inclusive society in Europe are between €35 - €85 billion over five years. Creating an e-included society is an Economic Opportunity and Social Necessity.

The European Commission wants as many examples as possible of how ICT and digital technology can be used to tackle social disadvantage and digital exclusion. The best will be used to inspire and encourage other organisations and individuals to take part in e-inclusion initiatives. Five finalists for each category will be invited (expenses paid) to exhibit their project at the Ministerial Conference on e-Inclusion in Vienna on 1 December 2008. The Award category winners will be announced at the evening ceremony.

On June 27th, 2008, there will be a briefing session for the European e-Inclusion awards competition in Brussels. Click here to register.