Information society, eEurope: good practices and network security, MODINIS programme 2003-2005

PURPOSE : to adopt a multi-annual programme (2003-2005) for the monitoring of the eEurope 2005 Action Plan, dissemination of good practices and improvement of network and information security (MODINIS). CONTENT : it is proposed that a financial support programme be adopted to accompany national efforts for the transformation of Europe into a knowledge-based economy. The duration of the programme shall be 3 years (2003-2005) with a budget of EUR 25m. This programme will contribute substantially to the Lisbon strategy and have the following objectives: i) to monitor performance of and within Member States and to compare them with the best in the world and carry out appropriate policies by using where possible official statistics, which have evolved considerably in this sector over the past few years; ii) to support efforts made by Member States in the framework of eEurope at national or regional level by analysis of eEurope specific good practices and by developing mechanisms to exchange experiences; iii) to analyse the economic and societal consequences of the Information Society with a view to appropriate policy responses, particularly in terms of industrial competitiveness and cohesion; iv) to enhance national and European efforts for improving network and information security and to foster the development of broadband rollout. In order to achieve these objectives, the programme will finance the following types of actions: - data collection and analysis concerning a revised set of benchmarking indicators; - studies to identify good practices in Europe; - workshops and studies to analyse the adjustment of industry to the structural change generated by digital technologies and the transformation of society; - support of the Information Society Forum consisting of web-based experts representing a broad range of interests advising the Commission on challenges for the development of the Information Society; - support of targeted conferences, seminars or workshops in order to promote cooperation and exchange of experiences and good practices between interested parties and Member States; - financing of specific surveys, studies and expertise gathering activities in the area of network and information security (e.g. security mechanisms and their interoperability, network reliability and protection, advanced cryptography, confidentiality and security in wireless communications), in particular on existing or emerging threats and also with a view to prepare the activities of the network security task force.�