Abstract

European regions are characterized by differing structural conditions regarding access to ICT-infrastructure. All have taken the first steps to develop their national broadband networks to engage the goals of the European Agenda 2020 & the Digital Agenda for Europe. The supply of ICT infrastructure is, generally speaking, increasing regarding its quantity and quality. Some regions, even though state-aided, are still lagging behind others. This is especially the case in the new member states if compared to the old member states and in sparsely populated regions in comparison to the more densely populated ones. Given the circumstances of remote geographical placement and topographical issues but also of social and financial aspects, the accessibility to a fast broadband connection is a necessary tool in the modern society. The decrease of investments into a sustainable broadband infrastructure due to the tense situation of public households and the migration of citizens to more attractive regions create a larger need for mobility especially in rural areas (e.g. larger distances to schools, hospitals, public offices etc.). Rural regions are in need to build up ICT infrastructure and often have (technological) strategies at hand, but most often the investments are beyond their financial possibilities and market driven investments are not possible or economical. The idea of FIDICE is to develop tangible reasons for building up high speed internet infrastructure. These will be supported by the creation of services and tools that will facilitate everyday life in the regions of Central Europe to foster demand and thus generate potential investments. With high speed internet is strenghtening efficient mobility and transport. By this FIDICE wants to take part in closing the gap of the digital divide and help to prevent migration. If citizens and companies are aware of how and why to use broadband connections, the allocation of financial means from private and public Describe the project background, issues/challenges, objectives (general and specific), need for transnational cooperation, relevance of the partnership, main activities, expected outputs and results. funds will be much easier. Besides the management in WP1, dissemination activities such as conferences and exhibitions on different level, workshops and seminars will be held within the activities of WP2. WP3 is strongly focused on the research on the Status Quo of the involved regions and the analysis of demand and potentials of access and use of broadband infrastructure. Emphasis is also given to planning tools on the basis of geo-information to enhance a coordinated approach. The CE Broadband compendium shall act as a guide including lessons learned and giving recommendation to policy makers on different level as well as research organizations and also foster potential investors to get involved. WP4 aims on develop concrete plans to build up the necessary infrastructure by setting up pilot activities. Also the results of service development of WP5 shall be implemented in the activities of WP4, taking into account the input from the FIDICE Open Access Forum. WP5 will develop services for the broad civil use and by this enhance the general attractiveness of regions and the widening of the participatory processes. Included is the setup of regional contact points in WP6 with added training measures for different target groups (from basic PC training to advanced seminars). Via certified curricular FIDICE will enhance chances for individuals on the (regional) job market. “If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.” African proverb. With a partnership led by the University of Magdeburg (DEU) combining public organizations (CSP-ICT Innovations, Informatica Tretina & Tretino Network (IT)) , companies from the private sector (atene KOM (DEU),Foundation of Innovative Initiatives & Cities on Internet Association (PL)) and scientific partners (Universities of Ljubljana, Maribor, STUBA (SK) & Óbuda University (HU)), FIDICE will provide sustainable solutions and durable results for the future of the CE region as whole.

Partners of the project

Hochschule Magdeburg-StendalU niversity of Applied Sciences, DE

atene KOM GmbH, DE

University of Ljubljana (UL), SI

CSP- ICT INNOVATION, IT

Informatica Trentina S.p.A, IT

Trentino Network, IT

Foundation of Innovative Initiatives, PL

Cities on Internet Association, PL

Óbuda University, HU

University of Maribor (Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science), SL

Slovak University of Technology, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, SK

Duration

April 2012 – September 2014