Vienna study on inclusive innovation for growth and cohesion : modelling and demonstrating the impact of eInclusion

The Commission i2010 policy framework, by calling for an inclusive Information Society and by stressing the importance of demonstrating tangible impacts, has set in motion an important process in the domain of eInclusion. A landmark in this process was the 2006 Riga Declaration where the European governments committed themselves to clear, bold, and measurable targets. The European Commissions and the Ministers of some 30 European countries committed to efforts aimed to achieve the following four key targets: 1) Gaps in Internet usage between current average use by the EU population and use by older people, people with disabilities, women, lower education groups, unemployed and "less developed" regions should be reduced to a half, from 2005 to 2010; 2) Geographical Divides. Significantly reduce regional disparities in Internet access across the EU, increase the availability of broadband (coverage) in underserved locations, and aim for broadband coverage to reach at least 90% of the EU population by 2010; 3) Inclusive e-Government. Promote and ensure accessibility of all public web sites by 2010. Designing and delivering key services and public service policies in a user centric and inclusive way, using channels, incentives and intermediaries that maximise benefits and convenience for all so that no one is left behind; 4) Digital Literacy. Reduce by half by 2010 the digital literacy gap between the EU population and the unemployed, immigrants, people with low education levels, people with disabilities, and elderly, as well as marginalised young people.