ABSTRACT
At the Lisbon Summit in March 2000, the Heads of the Member States of the European Union (EU) agreed to a strategy for growth and employment, based on fulfilling the objective of making the EU ‘the most dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy in the world capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion, and respect for the environment’ by 2010 (European Council, 2000) At the heart of what has become known as the ‘Lisbon Strategy’ are five policy areas that have been identified as needing strengthening in order that this objective might be met. In subsequent briefings and publications it has become apparent that the key policy area is:
The knowledge society: Increasing Europe's attractiveness for researchers and scientists, making research and development (R&D) a priority and promoting the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs), within which three main drivers have been identified. Firstly, spreading the use of ICT and mobile technology in order to make the EU a leading information society. Secondly, boosting R&D spending to 3% of EU Gross Domestic Product (GDP) so that the EU becomes the most attractive locale for high-tech activities. Finally, fostering lifelong learning through enabling technologies to realise and sustain the knowledge society. (European Council, 2000)
