Information society challenges Michel Cosnard INRIA - France 17 Juillet 2008 1
Framework Information and communication science and technology technologies (ICT) are present in virtually all sectors of activity. The digital science and digital engineering of the twenty-first century will have a considerable societal impact in the future. ICTs are seen today as a major factor in productivity and innovation. These technological advances will accompany the evolution of the most critical aspects of society: health, transport, energy, security. 17 Juillet 2008 2
Framework ICT may provide assistance in major societal challenges : Better health in an ageing society. homecare by remote monitoring and telemedicine personalized care with robotic assistance or distance-surgery integration of various modes of medical imaging Energy efficiency and environmental issues. management of energy sources and consumption of energy intelligent transport systems, geo-location, spatial information Security. protection against Cyber-terrorism and malicious behaviour. secure software and reliable components 17 Juillet 2008 3
A COMMON 2020 VISION for ICT research Define a common vision on ICT research is necessary to allow Europe to compete successfully at worldwide level and to profit from ICT development in main societal challenges. Key challenges and opportunities for research : Modeling for simulation and vizualisation Reliability and security of software The future of Internet Embedded system technologies Human and virtual interactions e-sciences and e-technologies Nano-Sciences and Nano-Technologies 17 Juillet 2008 4
Four key questions A very critical human resource situation Europe's attractiveness to skills and investments Infrastructures, standards and interoperability A growing impact on society and economy 17 Juillet 2008 5
A very critical human resource situation Deficit in qualified people in the ICT field in Europe 2005 : 230 000 (6%) 2008 : 615 000 (11.8%) Could lead to lower economic growth. ICT Careers in Europe are no longer attractive enough. Young people are attracted by digital technologies but no longer by research or engineering in ICT. Female students represent a minority in ICT studies and need to be addressed in a specific way. A real effort to promote Computer sciences training and scientific culture in the field of ICT. The share of e-learning remai ns low. The mobility of students, researchers and qualified personnel needs to be amplified. 17 Juillet 2008 6
Europe's attractiveness to skills and investments European Union : world largest economy (30% of world wealth) and world largest market for ICT (32% of world market). But world ranking of its research and higher education centres in ICT are much less. affects the attractiveness of ICT to young students and researchers and of private investments in innovations. intensity of public investments in excellence centres is weak fragmentation of the investments, weak public private partnerships, lack of mobility of researchers across the EU. minimise redundancies and ensure critical mass and complementarity. 17 Juillet 2008 7
Infrastructures, standards and interoperability The ex-post evaluation of the IST priority of the 6th Framework Programme underlines the real added value of European crossborder infrastructure development, its interoperability and, in some sectors, its standards. Heavy investments are required in Research infrastructures that are essential for the European economy. This includes both soft and hardware infrastructures : High bandwith Networks, Grid computing and distributed dataprocessing Research facilities for Nano-electronics, embedded systems and photonics. Strategic approach to standards and interoperability of solutions. regulations and practices may raise barriers to the emergence of European or global standards, leading to the fragmention of the single European market. 17 Juillet 2008 8
A growing impact on society and economy The ex-post evaluation recommends to tackle the political and systemic aspects in order to promote a better exploitation of the fruits of research in ICT in terms of growth and well-being. Open access to broadband, digital content and all related practice are heavily based on research and innovation. A systemic change is necessary to remove barriers that inhibit innovation. Greater synergy is needed between the venture capitalists, regional innovation strategies, and public procurement. The large-scale deployment of the "Internet of Things" or RFID chips raises ethical and legal issues, including the protection of privacy or legal liability. A real social debate is needed to reach a shared vision of the use of these technologies. 17 Juillet 2008 9