EU e‐inclusion policy in context

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to give an overview of EU‐level e‐inclusion policy providing elements for the context for reflection on the role and shape of universal service.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an account of the drivers and principles of EU e‐inclusion policy.

Findings

The paper finds that e‐inclusion – at this stage – needs a comprehensive and coherent approach addressing any social and economic exclusion factor with the help of ICT, addressing the risk of ICT as a factor of exclusion, bringing together the market, society, and user perspectives and seeking a “triple‐win”, and pro‐actively and forward‐looking combination of policy tools that can help to realize e‐inclusion.

Originality/value

The paper provides a contribution to the discussion on universal service from the wider perspective of EU e‐inclusion policy.

Citation

Timmers, P. (2008), "EU e‐inclusion policy in context", info, Vol. 10 No. 5/6, pp. 12-19. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636690810904670