The IT sector generates 25% of European investment in innovation and development. Could it re-launch the economy?
Can IT innovation improve the European economy? “Do you believe IT is really the salvation for our economy? What can CIOs do to help their country’s economy grow? What will be their future role in this?” These were the main topics of the CIONET annual event in Spain last October. Some 170 IT experts came together to analyse these topics and to enjoy a great networking day in Madrid. Many topics surrounding the economy and the CIO’s role were discussed: “What do we have to focus on in the present economic situation? Are we doing a good job? What do we have to change? More Innovation? Sourcing? Cloud? Or maybe ‘not even move’? Are we afraid?” These and many other questions were answered during this annual meeting. Pilar del Castillo: “Developing knowledge and innovation in the digital area will have a substantial impact on economic growth and employment.”
Mona Biegstraaten, Managing Director of CIONET Spain explains: “First of all we heard what the European Parliament had to say about this.” Miss Pilar del Castillo, MEP and member of the Research and Energy Committee of the European Parliament, explained their plans and future actions. “The IT sector generates 25% of European investment in innovation and development. As a consequence of the dynamism of the sector, its ability to innovate and its added value, it helps in the development of other sectors”, she explained. Pilar del Castillo also talked about the need to develop a Digital Society based on three factors: • mobilisation of individuals, providing digital skills and access to appropriate speed networks and pushing forward in privacy and security; • developing the market with a digital scope, basically harmonising local laws: • developing knowledge and innovation in the digital area. “These three factors together will have a substantial impact on economic
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Event report CIONET Spain
growth and employment. They will be the driver to help us get out of this crisis”, she said. Some initiatives of the European Parliament to achieve this are the European Digital Agenda, the liberalisation of the 800 mHz band, 3G and 4G coverage and the European Cloud Computing strategy.
CIO’s changing role Mona Biegstraaten: “We went on with our discussions to see how we can be the driver for the economy. We know that the CIO cannot start new projects, invest in innovation, grow the business, etc. on his own. That’s why we set up some debates between CIOs & CEOs, CIOs & CFOs, and CIOs & HR directors. The most important outcome of these debates was the fact that the CIO has to change his role and his way of focusing on IT.” The next speaker was a very well known Spanish professional: Honorato López Isla, ex-CIO and CEO of Unión Fenosa. He really agreed on this necessary change of the CIO’s role and also gave some concrete ideas to focus on. “What does the CEO need from his CIO?