This was a key issue in Europe three years ago, it is now at the top of the US political agenda. Our respective internet agendas are thus no longer just about e-commerce. They are as much about the societal and cultural aspects of the information revolution. The Third issue we are tackling is connected with the need to ensure that our population not only has the tools of the new age but also the skills to use them. We want to create a digitally-literate Europe, where creative ideas and entrepreneurship are rewarded.
Education is a key factor underlying economic and social progress in our societies.
It becomes even more vital in the information society, to ensure the emergence of new generations of creators, researchers and entrepreneurs. Achieving this starts at school. By the time they leave school, we want all Europeans pupils to acquire the skills they need to live and work in the new economy. All classrooms should be equipped with broadband internet connections and multimedia learning platform - and we should ensure that teachers are up to the job. Training will become even more important in the future.