Digital Entrepreneurship

The European Commission is working  to stimulate the smart use of digital technologies among European enterprises to create new business opportunities and accelerate the transformation of the European business landscape. This will increase economic growth and create jobs.

Technological trends, such as mobile and social solutions, cloud computing and data analytics offer a range of opportunities for new business services in the knowledge economy, and drastically facilitate the entry into the market of innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Since the economic crisis of 2008, many countries have struggled to create jobs and return to strong economic growth. The greater use of advanced digital technologies by SMEs can boost growth and employment. Analysis shows that businesses, and SMEs in particular, often struggle with digital developments, barriers to cross-border trade, regulatory and administrative burdens and insufficient access to finance.

The Commission recognises the strategic role of digital technologies in improving the business landscape in Europe. Based on policy analysis and intensive dialogue with stakeholders, key priority areas for policy intervention have been identified. These areas have been divided into 'five pillars' that describe the key factors influencing digital entrepreneurship.

The five areas of action are:

    Reinforcing the digital knowledge base,
    
    Catalysing a digital business-friendly environment,
    
    Easing access to finance,
    
    Promoting digital skills and talent,
    
    Reinforcing a digital entrepreneurial culture.

European Commission: http://bit.ly/1U27xce