International Workshop“i2010 for digital inclusion and participation” Brussels,23rd September 2005Summary

In a recent Communication1, the European Commission has outlined a new strategic framework, i2010 – European Information Society 2010, laying out broad policy orientations in relation to ongoing Information Society developments. The framework promotes an open and competitive digital economy and emphasises information and communications technology (ICT) as a driver of inclusion and quality of life. To achieve an “Information Society that is inclusive, provides high quality public services and promotes quality of life” is one of the core objectives set out in the i2010 framework2.Against this background, a one-day workshop entitled “i2010 for digital inclusion and participation” was held in Brussels on 23rd September 2005. This event aimed at setting the scene for i2010 ambitions in the field of inclusion. The objective was to stimulate a debate between stakeholders on relevant issues around eInclusion. Participants included representatives from civil society, industry and academia as well as representatives of Member States and Commission services.The workshop was divided into three subsequent thematic sessions as follows (for details c.f. the agenda annexed to this report):• “Setting the scene”• “Key challenges” (including a panel discussion)• “The case for policy action”In the following, key outcomes are presented as they have emerged throughout these sessions, with a focus on identifying building blocks for the further development of the i2010 strategy in relation to eInclusion rather than summarising the individual speakers’ presentation in chronological order.