Economic growth will depend on the existence of a new media culture which is innovative, diverse, inclusive and challenging. Cultural activity in digital media is driving innovation at all levels, with a constant movement of skills, ideas, individuals and infrastructures across different sectors. A new media culture is emerging in Europe - and this implies not only the countries of the European Union, but Europe as a whole. New practices in education, art, popular culture, the social sciences, and economic and industrial development are being fostered in independent centres of innovation in the arts and media, as well as in microenterprises. These agencies understand that technology is not culturally neutral.
Technology is culture.
The talented and fleet footed organisations which comprise this network of innovation are small and fledgling. They straddle traditional boundaries and explore the creative spaces between different sectors and media forms. Across Europe they constitute a dynamic network which is one of the true engines of the establishment of a cultural and social framework for the information society in Europe. This report makes the case that European institutions need to develop policies which are in touch with the dynamics of digital practice. In the final section it makes specific recommendations for action to the European Commission.