IIEA seminar to discuss delivering the Digital Single Market

1 Sep 2017

Andrus Ansip, vice-president of the European Commission and leader of the Digital Single Market project. Image: Aron Urb/Flickr

How can the Digital Single Market become a successful reality?

Insights into Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy are to be found at today’s (1 September) seminar – hosted by the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) – from Irish, Norwegian and Estonian governments, and the European Commission (EC).

Moderated by the chair of the IIEA’s Digital Future Working Group, Joyce O’Connor, it is also co-hosted by the Estonian and Norwegian embassies to coincide with their respective presidencies of the European Council and the Nordic Council of Ministers.

‘We will soon present initiatives to develop the European data economy to its full potential, to protect Europe’s assets by strengthening cybersecurity and to promote online platforms as responsible players in a fair internet environment’
– JUHAN LEPASSAAR

Government CIO Barry Lowry spoke ahead of the seminar: “Delivering the various components of the Digital Single Market and eGovernment Action Plans will be an onerous programme of work.”

Lowry stressed Ireland’s full commitment to the DSM strategy programme laid out by the EC: “But the Irish Government is very clear on the ultimate value to the Irish and European economies, in terms of trade and jobs, that a successful programme delivery can bring.”

A plethora of international perspectives

Juhan Lepassaar, head of cabinet for the DSM commissioner, Andrus Ansip, offered a perspective from the European Commission regarding the challenges down the line for DSM implementation: “Since the start of this Commission, we have launched 35 initiatives to remove online barriers and allow everyone to make the most of Europe’s growing digital marketplace.

“There is no time to lose to make this a reality. We will soon present initiatives to develop the European data economy to its full potential, to protect Europe’s assets by strengthening cybersecurity and to promote online platforms as responsible players in a fair internet environment.”

Paul Chaffey, state secretary at the Norwegian ministry of local government and modernisation, said that the Nordic-Baltic Cooperation was developing a strong and collaborative digital policy.

Estonian government CIO Siim Sikkut emphasised the need for smooth and secure data flows as a crucial factor in the success of the DSM strategy: “The more business is digital, the more freeing up of data flows is necessary for the whole Single Market and the existing four freedoms to effectively work; for example, reducing the barriers for cross-border business for start-ups and SMEs.”

Estonia – a digital leader?

Estonia’s e-government innovation makes it a leader in the European digital space.

It is currently creating links with Ireland between their respective tech industries – an example of this is the recent Tech Bridge event hosted by Enterprise Ireland, which took place yesterday (31 August).

Trade initiatives such as this are sure to create new and unique business relationships within the EU, reducing Ireland’s reliance on the UK, and aiding expansion into existing and new digital markets both in the EU and around the world.

The seminar kicks off today at Accenture’s The Dock at Grand Canal Dock in Dublin.

Andrus Ansip, vice-president of the European Commission and leader of the Digital Single Market project. Image: Aron Urb/EU2017EE Estonian Presidency/Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Ellen Tannam was a journalist with Silicon Republic, covering all manner of business and tech subjects

editorial@siliconrepublic.com