The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the future of its new seven-year Digital Europe infrastructure plan, which aims to invest 9.2Bn EUR in supercomputing, artificial intelligence, advanced digital skills and societal uptake of new technology. To implement the plan, the Commission is aiming for the EU’s contribution of 9.2Bn EUR to be matched by participating member states.
The purpose of the Digital Europe plan is to increase the use and development of European technologies, reducing the need for use of US and Asian products and services. As part of this, there is a significant focus on strengthening Europe’s infrastructure in computing and communications. Of note within the proposals:
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2.7Bn EUR is allocated to supercomputing and data processing infrastructure, to facilitate innovation in the healthcare sector, improve driverless car safety and accelerate the development and use of renewable energy.
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2.5Bn EUR is to be invested in artificial intelligence-based technologies and 2Bn EUR goes to cybersecurity.
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700M EUR is earmarked for digital skills development.
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1.3Bn EUR is proposed to implement e-government services.
