European ICT: Innovation is the key 

The ICT sector, says Fransman, is a significant contributor towards economic and social performance and has "not received the attention it deserves." 

The EU Regulatory Framework is currently being discussed at the European Parliament and Council. The main issues being discussed are whether a regulatory framework is needed at the European or national level, whether European authorities should have a veto over national decisions and whether national authorities should be able to enforce functional separation, he says. 

However, Fransman believes that the issues being discussed will not solve the main problem within Europe: that of a lack of competitiveness. The European sector is falling behind ICT providers based in the US and Asia, says Fransman, who believes that unless Europe can maintain a competitive ICT sector, its very economic growth and social welfare will fall into a state of decline. 

The EU has already fallen behind its key competitors in some crucial industries like internet content and applications, computer hardware and software, consumer electronics and semiconductors, says Fransman. Yet, in other areas like mobile equipment and services, Europe has a good lead, he adds. 

Fransman urges the EU ICT sector to increase its ability to innovate and increase investment in this crucial area. He continues by saying that only through combined innovation and investment can Europe create the international competitiveness it needs to remain a vital part of the global economy. 

The current framework being debated, observes Fransman, is "dominated by the concern to produce competitive markets" as well as the need for investment. While this is all well and good, he believes competitiveness itself is not enough, and calls for institutions to play a key role. In addition, he calls for "competitive investment" to take place to make sure the EU's ICT infrastructure can sustain itself in a league of global competitors.