Tomorrow’s internet starts now
Over 400 European scientists, researchers, users, service and content providers are gathering at the Future Internet Assembly (FIA) in Athens, Greece to discuss tomorrow’s internet.
In a speech at the start of the two-day event, Neelie Kroes, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the Digital Agenda, said: “Today’s internet has already transformed so much of our world and it is developing fast. Yet already, you can look ahead to some of tomorrow’s changes – the shape of the future internet. Not just a new platform, but a springboard for economic growth, in Greece and across Europe.”
Since 2007, €2bn of EU funding has been invested in developing the future internet. A similar amount will be available under Horizon 2020. In particular, two new public private partnerships have been launched.
The Future Internet PPP (FI-PPP) is entering its last phase, running up to 2016. This third step ensures that technological developments and trials evolve into seed-type activities, generating actual take-up of innovative internet apps and services. €100m is being invested in helping 1,000 small businesses and start-ups. Furthermore, 16 consortia have just been selected to act as ‘accelerators’ in this process and connect local partners. In this way, the FI-PPP stimulates regional smart growth.
The 5G PPP was launched in December 2013 and sees EU investment amount to €700m, whilst further private contributions are expected to reach at least €3.5bn by 2020. Kroes recently called on telecom industries to reach a global consensus on 5G and highlighted the new applications that will be made possible with this network.
