ABSTRACT
The previous chapter highlighted the potential economic importance of ICTs for the European economy. Consequently the development of a strategy for telecommunication networks is likely to play a pivotal part in the industrial competitiveness strategy of the EU. The EU is pursuing a market-led approach with a set of initiatives that is designed to combat areas of potential market failure in network development. The criteria set out within the TENs initiative imply the development of a set of integrated networks stretching into all parts of the European economic and social strata, thereby complementing its broad objectives for industrial competitiveness and development. This will need to be complemented by affordable telecommunications, user-led deployment and development strategies, the establishment of a service mentality and activist measures to close Europe’s technology gap with the USA and Japan.1
