EU Commission comes to town
14th May 2009
With our aim to be a leading European digital city in 2010, it is not surprising that we have developed strong links with our European cities to exchange information and collaborate on project work, debate digital city developments and exchange experiences.
Whilst we may have a lot to learn (and the pace of technology change means that won’t lessen), we also have a lot to offer and collaboration has got to be key here to get the best from technology and promoting greater digital inclusion. Already we are a member of the European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL) that was established to increase the global competiveness of European business, Chair of Eurocities Knowledge Forum and participate in European funded projects such as DEHEMS (trialing of a smart meter to assist home energy efficiency and change behaviour).
Last week, we spoke at iBrussels on the benefits of being a digital city. Such was the interest in our work, the Free University of Brussels, the conference organisers, are keen to arrange a delegation to Birmingham to learn more about our digital programme and best practice.
Our recently launched e-petitions is a major step forward for our city giving individuals an additional route to have their say, broadening their access and participation in democratic decision-making. This now is set to be part of a wider EU funded e-petitions project allowing us to share developments, economies of scale and embrace modern technologies with a wider audience.
It’s good news then that Birmingham is host today to a landmark conference on the future of the European Union, “Bringing the Policy Back in: A Substantive Agenda for the New Union”. The keynote is by Margot Wallström, who is Vice President of the European Commission, and will focus on Europe’s response to the global economic downturn. I’m not privy to what will be unveiled here, but am in no doubt technology will be a key enabler in lifting this global recession out of the doldrums. The visit to Birmingham will be filmed throughout the day by the BBC Politics Show and will include a live interview on the Ed Doolan show. I look forward to lots more collaboration in Europe.
