1. eBusiness for SMEs in FP6 “creating sustainable knowledge infostructures in a crossborder context" Brussels 17 December 2002
Brussels Dec 2002

2. ERNACT - History
European Regions Network for the Application of Communications Technology
Formed in 1990 by Regional Authorities in North West Ireland as joint crossborder vehicle (public sector – non profit)
To use information & communications technology to improve delivery of services stimulate Interregional Development Co-operation
Brussels Dec 2002

3. Achievements/Strengths to Date
10 years experience
EU ICT programmes
Project budgets > 12 million €uro
European-wide user, developer, researcher organisation networks
Transnational ICT Project Management
Information Society Regional Development models
Technology Know-how
Highly Skilled Staff in NW crossborder region
Brussels Dec 2002

4. What do we
“ERNACT is a resource to research, pilot & transfer practical strategies, applications and infrastructure models that will help decentralise the benefits of the information society to the NW Ireland crossborder region”
Brussels Dec 2002

5. North West Ireland Crossborder Region
Northern
Ireland
Donegal
Limavady
Derry
Strabane
Republic of
Brussels Dec 2002

6. Digital Economy Strategy
Objectives
Improve the capacity of the region’s current job creating sectors to survive in the Digital Age.
Create new high technology ventures and sustainable jobs within the region.
Improve the attraction of the region as a location for information technology-based inward investment companies.
Develop a system of regional innovation to stimulate the growth of an indigenous knowledge-based sector.
AIM
“Improve the capacity of the North West Ireland area to embrace the digital economy and to attract and create sustainable high technology ventures and jobs”
Brussels Dec 2002

7. Strategy Dynamics Government Health Tourism Retail SMEs Strand 1
Foresight
Strand 2
e-business Applications
Strand 5
Telecom Infrastructure
Strand 6
Innovation & Inward Invest
Strand 3
RTD & Technology Transfer
Strand 4
Training & 3rd Level
Brussels Dec 2002

8. 12 Strategic Project Theme Knowledge Society Telecomms Infrastructure
1. Community Connect
2. Community Learning
Telecomms Infrastructure
3. Broadband Network
Mobile Infrastructure
4. Digital Region
5. Transport Exchange
Regional e-business sustainability
6. e-business Network of Excellence
Sector applications
7. e-government
8. healthcare portal
9. e-tourist
10. e-business for SME
11. e-procurement exchange
12. Town Centre of the Future
Brussels Dec 2002

9. e-business network of excellence Digital Model of Region (Spatial)
Tourists
Citizens
Patients
Business
Workers
Shoppers
Community Connect
Community Learning
e-gov
health portal
e-tourist
e-SME
Retail
e-procur
e-business network of excellence
Trading
Transport Exchange
Digital Model of Region (Spatial)
Position
Business
Homes
Vehicles
Services
Workers
Broadband Network
Brussels Dec 2002

10. SMEs – ebusiness & RTD Long Term (10 years)
RTD if Big Regional Catalyst (egovernment?)
Creates Domain Environment
Creates Embryonic Market
Creates support
Advanced, competitive Broadband Required
Only if profit, loss of business, increased sales
Integrated ebusiness models, training, know-how, change management approaches
Supportive digital environment will assist (digital model of regional business, sectors, value chains)
Brussels Dec 2002

11. Virtual Knowledge Network
Business
Park
Contact
Centre
Univ.
Info
Society
Business
Park
Business
Park
Call
Centre
Virtual
Park Mgt
Business
Park
Call
Centre
Call
Centre
Business
Park
Univ.
Business
Park
Mobile
Systems
Brussels Dec 2002

12. Elements of Project
A Virtual Crossborder Development and Management function
Construction of a ducting and fibre-optic system linking Business parks, 3rd level sector, Science Parks linked via a telecommunications Regional Area Network (RAN)
Competitively priced advanced broadband services available to businesses within region
Development and marketing of crossborder region by INI/IDA as single destination for investment
Establishment of a number of information society centres of excellence including webworks and mobile computing
Programme to actively develop quality and quantity of crossborder research collaboration
Programme to actively develop content and services creation through Digital Economy
Brussels Dec 2002