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Mission

The mission of the JRC Information Society Unit is to carry out research aimed at providing robust, science-based evidence and policy options that support the widespread take up and effective use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the economy and in society.

Our research activities are tightly focused to provide support to the Commission’s visionary proposal for "Europe 2020" and in particular the proposed "Digital Agenda" flagship but also contributions to the flagships in innovation, education, competitiveness, employment and skills and fighting poverty.  Our current research themes include: Digital Economy and ICT industry analysis, Digital Competences and the use of ICT in education, learning and skill acquisition, Digital Living including digital identity and ICT supporting health and wellness, and Digital Society including ICT for inclusion, cultural diversity and governance.

We use a wide range of research tools and methods including multi-disciplinary social, economic and technological approaches that combine qualitative and quantitative methods, modelling, foresight and scenario planning.

We work closely with relevant European and international organisations and have developed a working network of leading scientists in our fields of research. Our output is peer-reviewed by the relevant scientific communities and published in a wide range of scientific and policy journals and is also presented and discussed at conferences, workshops and seminars.

Our annual research work programme is aligned to the priorities of our policy customers in a number of Directorates General of the Commission including DGs Information Society & Media (INFSO), Education & Culture (EAC), Enterprise (ENTR), Justice Liberty & Security (JLS), Employment (EMPL), Health & Consumer Protection (SANCO), amongst others.

Objectives

  • Investigating and assessing the contributions of the European ICT industry to the competitiveness and growth of the EU Digital Economy

  • Studying the take-up and impact of ICT applications addressing EU Challenges on inclusion, learning, governance and citizen participation
  • Analysing the role of ICTs in shaping the "Digital Life" of EU citizens, in particular research on identity, privacy and societal attitudes towards ICT adoption
  • Analysing the economic aspects of eHealth and the contribution of ICT for the care of the elderly and support for chronic illness.

Scientific actions

 

additional information

Head of unit: D. Broster
Web site: http://is.jrc.ec.europa.eu/

Contact the Information Society Unit

European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Prospective Technological Studies.
C/ Inca Garcilaso, s/n 41092 Seville, SPAIN; Tel.: +34 954 48 8318 Fax: +34 954 48 8300. © 2008 EC JRC IPTS
The mission of the JRC is to provide customer-driven scientific and technical support for the conception, development, implementation and monitoring of EU policies. As a service of the European Commission, the JRC functions as a reference centre of science and technology for the Union. Close to the policy-making process, it serves the common interest of the Member States, while being independent of special interests, whether private or national.