Comment Neelie (Kroes)

You are here at Campus Party because you have what it takes.sentence permalink

The talent to use new technology to the full.sentence permalink

The attitude prepared to take a risk.

The desire to make a difference.

I want to give you the resources you need to do that. And today we are presenting some new tools, new building blocks that you can use for the innovations of the future.sentence permalink

The Internet has already fundamentally changed so much of our lives.sentence permalink

A trillion-euro marketplace used by billions, transforming every sector from transport to healthcare.sentence permalink

But as it becomes ever more essential, people also take it more and more for granted.sentence permalink

They imagine that this is "it"; that we've reached the limit of its possibilities.sentence permalink

This has long been a common attitude.

Even just a hundred years ago, many people thought that everything worthwhile had already been invented. "What could possibly top the light bulb", they said?sentence permalink

And today, likewise, many seem to think that the Internet will – or should – basically stay just like it is. And they assume that the current market structure – dominated by large companies from across the Atlantic – will also stay the same.sentence permalink

Well, maybe that's a natural reaction.

But I don't see it like that. I think there's an opportunity for great innovation – and an opportunity for Europe. And – given that you're here today – I think you see that too.sentence permalink

Because – make no mistake – research and innovation will keep powering change.sentence permalink

New technologies will keep arriving.

Companies, business models and market leaders will keep changing too.sentence permalink

Tomorrow's internet landscape could look very different.sentence permalink

New smart systems, available on the go.

New social media replacing the old.

Cloud computing that is scalable, flexible, everywhere. Enormous data sets, used to benefit science, healthcare, our economy, and our everyday lives.sentence permalink

And a more secure and a more private Internet.sentence permalink

Well, maybe Europe can do better than what we have recently seen from the US!sentence permalink

But today let me highlight just one aspect of the Future Internet: the Internet of Things.sentence permalink

According to some, by 2040 that network could connect 50 to 100 trillion different objects.sentence permalink

Everyone, and virtually everything.

There are huge innovative applications on offer, with exponential growth.sentence permalink

The global market in Machine-to-Machine is already worth €34 billion; it could rise at 30% per year.sentence permalink

With trillions in global revenues by 2020.sentence permalink

And it doesn't work in isolation: it supports other domains, too, from cloud computing and Smart Cities, to healthcare and intelligent transport.sentence permalink

In short: there are opportunities on offer, and not just for big established companies.sentence permalink

I'd like to ensure those chances available for everyone.sentence permalink

So if you've got a good idea, you can put it out there, and enjoy the benefits.sentence permalink

FI-WARE is one way we are levelling that playing field: a project to make innovative technologies available for all.sentence permalink

Technologies that you can use and create with.sentence permalink

Because we have these building blocks on offer.sentence permalink

You can take them, combine them, add functionality that works for one domain or other, and create something new that works.sentence permalink

Giving you access to a great innovation resource.sentence permalink

I know that access to these platforms matters.sentence permalink

Over the last 5 years, typical US and Asian ICT companies' sales went up by almost 50%.sentence permalink

While sales by their European competitors stayed the same, or even decreased.sentence permalink

We need to change that.

Including through the platforms that enable and support new business models.sentence permalink

From mobile devices to app stores, software, and IP networks; these are the ingredients that help American companies build a network and snowball to success. It's time we had more of them over in Europe too.sentence permalink

Smart cities are a great example.

They create platforms, and use them, making open data and applications available – to citizens, to developers, to innovators, to come up with yet more ideas.sentence permalink

Or a more secure and private cloud.

Made in Europe.

But platforms don't build themselves.

And this is where initiatives like the FI-LAB come in. Led by industry, this is a major investment in generic technology.sentence permalink

Focusing not on specific applications: but on the building blocks essential to creating them.sentence permalink

This is a great way to achieve that.

And as of today, FI-LAB is open and accessible to everybody.sentence permalink

Available to all to create platforms, applications, or whatever you want.sentence permalink

And guess what?

The technology is free of charge.

And state-of-the-art.

Think about Security and Privacy by design, Social Connected TV, Augmented Reality, Instant Mobility or even Smart Farming.sentence permalink

You can be the first inventing the killer applications for new areas.sentence permalink

And deploy across the whole of Europe, more than 500 million people.sentence permalink

The largest market in the world. And beyond!sentence permalink

Fi-Ware building blocks are already being used and validated as we speak.sentence permalink

There are five large scale trials, in healthcare, transport and logistics, media and content, manufacturing, and energy.sentence permalink

And now it's over to you.

We are moving into the next phase.

The EU is putting 100 millions on the table, to help small businesses, web entrepreneurs, campuseros to use and deploy this technology.sentence permalink

You are best placed, not just to innovate, but to turn that innovation into real products, real services, and real jobs.sentence permalink

Let's stop with being modest in Europe.

We can make it too.

Once we have found consortia to act as intermediaries, "Calls" will be open to all. And that means you.sentence permalink

You'll have the chance to submit your ideas and opportunities; and find new partners to work with, new cities or new sectors.sentence permalink

We expect that around 1000 startups will benefit from grants to develop apps and other digital services around Fi-Ware.sentence permalink

I think this will play a part – not just in boosting innovation – but in shaping the whole underlying fabric of the European web community.sentence permalink

So, like I say, now it's over to you.

Tell your friends.

You know the problems we face in our cities and in our societies.sentence permalink

You have the tools and the talent to do something about it.sentence permalink

And now we're giving you these essential extra ingredients for innovation.sentence permalink

So run with it! The only limit is your imagination.sentence permalink

You can build the successful applications of the future. I count on you!sentence permalink