Press Releases

Mainoni: Drive forward research and innovation in the ICT sector

Commissioner Reding at two-day conference on information and communications technology in Vienna

"The objective is to make Europe a more attractive and more competitive business centre. Investment in research and technology development has a crucial role to play in this. That is why the Austrian Presidency is also hosting a conference on “Investing in ICT Research and Innovation”. EU Commissioner Viviane Reding will be attending this two-day conference in Vienna", State Secretary for Research Eduard Mainoni said.

Up to 150 political decision-makers and high-level representatives from industry and research will take part in the conference on 22-23 March in the Vienna Museums Quarter. "The purpose of the conference is to follow up the European Commission’s i2010 initiative by identifying practical measures to boost Europe’s innovativeness in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector", State Secretary Mainoni continued.

Mainoni also stressed, however, that the conference can only be a first important step for the future. “This first step will be the most difficult of all. But we need even better coordination of measures at European level in order to remain competitive. That is the only way we will be able to view Europe’s future with any optimism."

During the conference on 22 March, key themes will be prepared in expert working groups. They will then be discussed in plenary on Thursday and form the basis for further action in ICT research. Furthermore, the prestigious IST prize for particularly innovative information technology inventions will be awarded by Vice-Chancellor Hubert Gorbach and Commissioner Vivane Reding in the Vienna Hofburg.

Conference schedule:

Wednesday, 22.03.2006

* 13:00: Expert conference begins in the Museums Quarter, 1070 Vienna

* 17:00: award of IST prize by Vice-Chancellor Hubert Gorbach and Commissioner Vivane Reding in the Hofburg - Zeremoniensaal, 1010 Vienna

* 19:30: Press session with Vice-Chancellor Hubert Gorbach, Commissioner Vivane Reding and prize-winners in the Hofburg - Zeremoniensaal, 1010 Vienna

Thursday, 23.03.2006

* 09:00: Second day of the conference opened by State Secretary for Research Eduard Mainoni, Museums Quarter, 1070 Vienna

* 09:10:

Speech by Commissioner Vivane Reding

* 13:00:

Conference closed by State Secretary for Research Eduard Mainoni