British Universities Film & Video Council

moving image and sound, knowledge and access

Shaping Europe’s Digital Revolution

Synopsis
A series of 10 short films relating to aspects of the European Commission’s i2010 strategic policy framework which lays out broad policy guidelines for the information society and the media in the years up to 2010. It promotes an open and competitive digital economy, research into information and communication technologies, as well as their application to improve social inclusion, public services and quality of life. The films cover the potential of ICT to improve health care, make cars safer and education more interesting; the impact of ICT on the EU economy and how it can improve public administration and increase social participation for the disabled and elderly; EU support for the European film industry; and what the EU does to protect European cultural heritage.
Language
English
Country
France
Year of production
2006
Subjects
Information technology
Keywords
computer applications; European culture; European Parliament; European Union; social policy; Information technology; public administration

Online availability

URI
http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/information_society/see_more/vb/index_en.htm#i2010
Price
free
Delivery
Streamed

Sections

Title
Introducing i2010: The digital revolution has started
Synopsis
The Information Society, once a futuristic scenario, is now a reality. But the revolution is just getting started. ICT is crucial to improve quality of life and to drive growth in the whole economy. That’s why Europe wants to be ahead in ICT and has launched the i2010 initiative.

Title
Security in transport: Drive safely with intelligent cars
Synopsis
New cars on the market today have safety equipment like airbags, ESP and ABS, that increase stability and safety of the vehicle, without the driver having to do anything. New systems in cars are exchanging information with each other, so roads and cars are actually becoming more or less "intelligent". They interact with each other and detects obstacles that the driver cannot see. Another EU initiative is the eCall system, which alerts an emergency centre in case of an accident and locates the position of the car.

Title
Health: Information Can Save Your Life
Synopsis
Ways in which ICT can be used in healthcare and help meet the EU’s overall goal to improve health services for all citizens. Gives the example of how people with serious heart conditions can be monitored 24/7 by sensors in their clothing which transmit information wirelessly to a surveillance centre. The use of ICT in healthcare also makes training medical personnel easier. It facilitates the transfer of medical reports, journals and diagnoses between medical units and hospitals. If a patient is transferred elsewhere, the latest information and medical history can be easily accessed. It saves time and money and makes the medical treatment safer and more accurate.

Title
Education and training: Enabling lifelong learning
Synopsis
Shows a group of London schoolchildren taking part in Weblabs, a research programme where they learn maths by programming robots. ICT in education and training allows individuals to train and follow courses on the internet at their own pace.

Title
Internet: Bringing substantial benefits to economies and societies
Synopsis
Diego signs into his online bank account with biometric authentication, and his PC recognizes his voice and face. This is a very secure way of doing transactions. At ‘Suits Online’, the customer’s measurements are scanned in the shop and sent by Internet to the factory where the suit is made. The Internet has changed our way of working and interacting with the world. It has paved the way for new businesses and supports freedom of expression. Nevertheless, the Internet can expose young people to dangerous or harmful content. The Safer Internet Programme was created by the European Commission to make the Internet safer for young people.

Title
Mobile communications: Anything, anytime, anywhere
Synopsis
The European Commission has liberalized the telecoms market and developed common standards like the GSM standard. The telecom business is very competitive today, generating €125 billion a year in Europe. The European Commission has proposed a regulation to lower charges for using a mobile phone aborad. Wireless networks and applications are becoming more widespread, and in some places your phone can be used as a tourist guide, for GPS guidance and information, or as an electronic wallet with maximum security.

Title
Disabled: Equal access for all
Synopsis
A look at how ICT can help disabled people, who represent 20% of the EU population, many of whom have problems with accessibility. Deaf people who normally lip read can now use the telephone because of new software and a pc, which generates an artificial face with lip movements from the telephone conversation. The European Meyer project is developing a technology for reading brainwaves and connecting the information to a machine. so that that a wheelchair can be controlled just by brainwaves.

Title
MEDIA and Cultural Heritage
Synopsis
An important goal of the European Union’s MEDIA Programme is to increase distribution of films and television programmes so that audiences all over the world have a chance to see more European films. Also, existing television and film material needs to be saved and stored for future generations. The Prestospace project is working on preserving and archiving for future generations. It is important for the film and media business, for the cinema audience, and for promoting European culture.

Title
Administration: It’s Online
Synopsis
A look at how ICT is used in public administration to make it more efficient and cost-effective. However, if the services offered increase in quality and quantity then they must also be accessible to everyone.

Title
Future of Television: What’s on tomorrow?
Synopsis
Some time in the near future you can have all the power of Interactive TV in your pocket. New television and multimedia standards are now being established in more than 60 countries, thanks to the backing of the European Commission. Supporting research of new technology can offer new services and opportunities for small and medium sized businesses. The focus now is on 3D TV, individual mobile services and access to networks all the time.

Title
Catastrophes: Anticipate, prevent and react
Synopsis
Floods, fires, industrial and transport accidents ... natural and manmade disasters can have a devastating effect on individuals, communities, the environment and the economy. Advanced Information and Communication Technologies can both prevent disasters and help rebuild.

Distributor

Name

European Commission Information Society and Media Directorate General

Web
http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/newsroom/cf/news.cfm?item_type=library&item_subtype=audiovisual External site opens in new window

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