CLUSTER: DANS Cluster

Background and Aim

Aim

The aim of the DANS cluster was to provide a solid basis upon which the ‘Digital Agenda for Europe’ (DAE) might be implemented within the North Sea Region. The project did not limit itself to repeating any of the approaches developed in the Creative City Challenge (CCC), Smart Cities and E-CLIC projects. Rather, it capitalised on the main lessons learnt and experiences gained from them, used and expanded their networks and undertook additional activities to achieve greater, high impact results.

Background

The fields of creativity, innovation, digital services and e-government are central to the economic development of the European Union as well as to its future policy until 2020. The Digital Agenda for Europe (DAE) in particular is a key element of European policy - a so-called Flagship Initiative - , which is of strategic value to the North Sea Region as well due to the fact that services related to the DAE continuously generate employment, fight social exclusion and contribute to economic development and territorial cohesion. Furthermore, the DAE helps the EU to promote modern communication technologies for increased access to services and is hence improving life quality in the North Sea Region.

The cluster project focused on 5 of the 7 priorities of the DAE – namely (a) creating a digital Single Market; (b) greater interoperability; (c) better investment in research and development; (d) enhancing digital literacy skills and inclusion and (e) applying information and communications technologies to address challenges facing society like climate change and the ageing population.

Related projects:

• Creative City Challenge (CCC)
• Smart Cities
• E-CLIC