ANNEX I

Module 1: Enterprises and the information society

1. Aims

The aim of this module is the timely provision of statistics on enterprises and the information society. It provides a framework for the requirements in terms of coverage, duration and periodicity, subjects covered, breakdowns of data provision, type of data provision and any necessary pilot or feasibility studies.

2. Coverage

This module covers business activities within Sections C to N and R and Division 95 of the statistical classification of economic activities in the European Community (NACE REV. 2).

Statistics will be compiled for enterprise units.

3. Duration and periodicity of data provision

Statistics will be provided annually for up to 15 reference years from 20 May 2004. Not all characteristics will necessarily be provided each year; the periodicity of provision for each characteristic will be specified and agreed upon as part of the implementing measures referred to in Article 8.

4. Subjects covered

The characteristics to be provided will be drawn from the following list of subjects:

— ICT systems and their usage in enterprises,

— use of the Internet and other electronic networks by enterprises,

— e-commerce,

— e-business processes and organisational aspects,

— use of ICT by enterprises to exchange information and services with governments and public administrations (e-government),

— ICT competence in the enterprise unit and the need for ICT skills,

— barriers to the use of ICT, the Internet and other electronic networks, e-commerce and e-business processes,

— ICT expenditure and investment,

— ICT security and trust,

— use of ICT and its impact on the environment (Green ICT),

— access to and use of the Internet and other network technologies for connecting objects and devices (Internet of Things),

— access to and use of technologies providing the ability to connect to the Internet or other networks from anywhere at any time (ubiquitous connectivity).

Not all subjects will be covered each year.

5. Breakdowns of data provision

Not all breakdowns will necessarily be provided each year; the breakdowns required will be drawn from the following list, taking into account the nature of the statistical units, the expected quality of the statistical data and the overall sampling size. The breakdowns will be agreed upon as part of the implementing measures:

— by size class,

— by NACE heading,

— by region: regional breakdowns will be limited to no more than three groupings.

6. Type of data provision

Member States will transmit aggregate data to the Commission (Eurostat).

7. Feasibility and pilot studies

Whenever significant new data requirements are identified or new indicators of a complex nature are required, the Commission will institute feasibility or pilot studies to be completed on a voluntary basis by the Member States before any data collection. These studies will assess the feasibility of the respective data collection, taking into consideration the benefits of the availability of the data in relation to the collection costs and the burden on respondents. The results of these feasibility or pilot studies will contribute to the definition of new indicators.