BCO Network: addressing the digital gap in rural and other remote areas (October 10, 2018 from 11:30 to 13:00)
The digital gap affecting Europe's rural areas represents an obstacle to their development and to the EU's economic growth. The lack of reliable internet connections limits both individuals and businesses. The European Commission has come up with a plan to gradually close this gap, introduce broadband infrastructure and help empower these areas. The workshop is organised by the European Commission and its Broadband Competence Offices Network. It aims to present ways in which broadband projects can be implemented in rural and remote areas and to share good practices along with information about the Commission's "Action Plan for Rural Broadband".
Towards building a user-centric digital public sector (October 10, 2018 from 14:30 to 16:00).
The technological revolution holds great promise in transforming public services and how governments respond to citizens' needs, but authorities face many challenges in the processes of transformation. This workshop is a platform to showcase and discuss these changes, by bringing together key insights from ESPON, Interact, Interreg Europe, URBACT and the Urban Agenda Partnership on Digital Transition. See how some national, regional and local authorities have bridged the digital gap, through adopting new technologies, legislation and policies, upskilling staff, engaging private sector and citizens as well as using data and social media.
