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Implementing a digital single market that works

The implementation of an effective digital single market (DSM) policy framework should enable our businesses, both big and small, to compete globally, grow and create jobs. The DSM policy framework should provide European citizens with: opportunities to start their own businesses and employment; better health; greater connectivity; and greater choice in goods and services. A digital Ireland is important to the development of a European digital ecosystem. However, Europe and Ireland face increased global competition in both the level and pace of its digital development. Our shared ambition must be matched by deeds. Ibec has taken stock and updated its policy recommendations on the ongoing implementation of the European Commission's strategy for a digital single market (published in May 2015). This work expands on Ibec's preliminary views on a European DSM strategy and its ambition for a globally competitive digital economy in Ireland. The Ibec paper was formally presented in meetings with Vice President Andrus Ansip, European Commission Project Leader for the Digital Single Market strategy on 8 September and Věra Jourová, European Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality on 11 November 2016.

Our vision for a digital single market
A digital single market where policy makers understand and respond to the needs of business is more important than ever if Europe is to return to a path of strong economic growth that creates opportunities and choice for our citizens. Europe needs an accessible, secure, outward looking single market that embeds and encourages digitalisation as an enabler of greater connectivity, innovation, investment, competitiveness, growth, global trade and greater choice in goods and services.

Our priorities for a digital single market
The rate of technological and behavioural change in our increasingly digital age can often outpace policy and regulatory processes. Therefore EU policy makers need to develop and implement a flexible, outcome-based policy framework that avoids undue regulatory burden or obsolescence and unlocks the positive potential of a digital economy for businesses and consumers alike. This approach must recognise the global nature of digital and remain open to the principles of innovation, competition and free trade.

EU policy makers must work with business to implement a digital single market framework that:
  • encourages like minded member states to collaborate in enhancing the level and pace of digital development across the broader EU economy;
  • encourages e-commerce and digital entrepreneurship across the broader economy by boosting awareness of its benefits and by cutting red tape across the EU;
  • unlocks a pro-investment climate in digital infrastructure to improve access and connectivity across the EU;
  • creates an environment that adequately protects personal data and IP, while supporting continued investment in digital innovation and quality digital content across the EU;
  • develops digital knowledge and skills and attracts mobile digital talent and investment to the EU; and
  • enables global leadership and effective engagement, by the EU and its members, in the international dimension of our digital economic development e.g. the development of digital standards; and promoting free data flows and digital in trade agreements.

To read the comprehensive Ibec report, please click on the attached file below.