The development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is vital for Europe's competitiveness in today's increasingly digital global economy. Over €20 billion from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is available for ICT investments during the 2014-2020 funding period. These investments are vital for the success of the Commission's objective of making Europe fit for the digital age.
Improving access, use and quality of ICTs is one of the 11 thematic objectives for Cohesion Policy in 2014-2020. The ERDF will prioritise:
ICT measures may also receive support under other thematic objectives, and they are also included in many smart specialisation strategies. Moving from a classic ICT sector approach to a comprehensive local/regional/national "digital agenda" within the Smart Specialisation Strategy is enabling regions to identify the priorities for ICT investment which are pertinent for their territory.
European Structural and Investment Funds are not only to be seen as financial support, but also as a policy tool to support the public authorities in defining their strategy and planing their administrative and investment effort. In order to make sure that EU investments achieve maximum impact, Member States and regions that wish to use funding for ICT-related projects are required to put in place a strategic policy framework for digital growth and a next generation network plan.
European Structural and Investment Funds can also be used strategically to encourage the transposition of Digital Single Market (DSM) legislative initiatives, the development of administrative capacity for effective application of this legislation and the leverage of national public and private funding to enhance and speed-up the positive impact of the DSM in all EU regions.
Increased ICT Investments in 2014-2020 will build on the achievements during the 2007-2013 funding period:
