Mobile communications and digital broadcasting could bring Europe into a position of global e-commerce leadership. Three drivers of change are the internet, convergence and competition. Although technology is at the heart of the Information Society, what really matters is how it is used, by whom and for what purposes. For technology to be useful and Europe's potential to be released, its users must be technology literate and technology development should be complemented by a favourable regulatory environment. So, the time is now, while the window of opportunity is open.
Many niches are to be filled by innovative start-ups.