European Commission to have IST 2000 event nicely fit in with recent e-Europe initiative

Brussels 22 June 2000The annual European Union conference on Information Society Technologies will this year be held in Nice, France, on 6 to 8 November 2000, under the theme of an Information Society for all. The IST 2000 event is in line with the European Commission's e-Europe initiative, and is organised by the Information Society Directorate-General for the European Commission, in co-operation with the Ministry of Research and the Ministry of Economy, Finances and Industry, for the French Presidency.

IT decision-makers and specialists will meet to discuss topics, including the impact of the Information Society for tomorrow's Europeans. Questions at stake are: Can Europe expect an increase in its competitiveness due to new technologies? What are the main technological challenges? How do legislation and IT market have to be combined?

The results of the IST Programme will be highlighted, as will the regulatory policies and activities of the European Commission. The novel Internet generation, questions on safety, as well as the multiplication of on-line applications in various fields, such as health care or entertainment, will equally be put on the agenda.

A debate will be held between representatives of the younger and the older generations about the Internet, which will be entitled: "The Internet generation against the May '68 generation."

European innovation in the field of new technologies will be on display in 4000 square metres of exhibition space, which will also include a pavilion dedicated to French achievements in the IT industry.

IST 2000 also aims to bridge the gap between technology and finance, giving the opportunity to young companies during the European Investment Forum to submit their projects to large first plan international investors.

The three winners of the European Information Society Technologies Prize will be announced during the event, rewarding what the jury considers to be the most innovative IT applications and services in Europe, with significant commercial potential.

For further information, you can visit the IST 2000 Web site or contact the IST 2000 Secretariat at the

European Commission
Rue de la Loi/ Wetstraat 200
BU24 - 1/37
B-1049 Brussels
Fax: 0032-2-2969037
E-mail: infso-ist2000@cec.eu.int

Leslie Versweyveld

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