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3. The Context
Our societies, both at European and global level, are faced with
economic and societal challenges such as sustainable development,
modernization, ageing of populations and social cohesion.
The introduction of digital technologies in Standardization has enabled European
economic and societal processes is key to successes in many business areas and will
address these challenges and the world’s continue to play an important role in the
economies are now undergoing a digital digital transformation. Standardization ensures
transformation. an interoperable and conducive business
environment that enables and stimulates
This digital transformation of our economies innovation and competitiveness of European
impacts and is influenced by all aspects of life businesses globally.
from the way we live, work, care and are cared
for, to the way in which we are governed and ICT standards are at the core of this
interact with our governments. transformation by providing widely adopted
technology platforms, driving innovation
Its influence and impact is expected to in multiple ways and across multiple
penetrate ever wider and deeper, driven by industry sectors. The impact of the digital
and creating a dynamic and evolving world of transformation and the evolution of ICT can
digital and cognitive technologies and their be seen through socio-economic, policy and
applications. technology trends.
Socio-economic Trends
Digital technologies are not only impacting They contribute to a major transformation of
our daily life at large, they influence economic the social and economic models that define
models, open up new opportunities, as well as our modern world, impacting and influencing
enable new ways of interaction not possible in markets and economies locally, nationally,
the past. regionally and globally, and providing new
ways for interaction and integration.
They enhance access to culture and education
for all, and revolutionize public services. Players and their roles – The ecosystem
The interplay between actors has changed, in the digital world makes room and opens
boundaries in industry and in other domains up new opportunities for many different
are moving – and change is continuing at an players at many different levels, from service
even increased pace. providers to manufacturers, from end users to
administrations.
ICT and its role in society – Digital
technologies transform society at large, Each player may assume different roles
impacting individuals, households, businesses depending on specific circumstances, and
and governments. the nature of roles is changing. For example,
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