Relevant link of today: Kroes champions interoperability in draft 'digital agenda'

In an article in Euractiv the draft digital agenda strategy document is discussed which is under preparation by Commissioner Kroes. Publication of the digital agenda has been announced for late April / early May.

The Euroactiv article also refers to the draft version of the digital agenda which leaked a couple of weeks ago and which contains some important and forward looking concepts (see also my blog post of late March):

"However, a draft version of the plan – revealed by specialist website PC INpact – places great emphasis on interoperability and the notion of open standards.
'The headline target for this action area is to reform the EU standardisation regime by 2015 to reflect the rise and growing importance of ICT standards developed by various fora and consortia, in particular as regards the Internet,' the Commission draft says.

"But while there is consensus that greater interoperability of ICT systems stimulates economic growth and makes digital solutions cheaper for small business, 'guidelines on open standards and interoperability have proved hard to define,' the Commission adds. [...] 

"Kroes wants to 'reform the governance system for ICT standards in Europe to recognise ICT fora and consortia standards'. She also recommends 'transparent disclosure rules for intellectual property rights (IPR) and licensing conditions in standard-setting' [...]"

Read the full article online on Euroactiv.