“The technology is ready. Nationally we are good but together we are among the best. Why not connect the national systems in cross-border digital solutions in the Nordic/Baltic region?”
That was one of the cross-cutting messages at the conference on the Nordic-Baltic ICT Powerhouse 15 April 2013 in Stockholm City Hall, organized by BDF and Microsoft, and generously hosted by the City of Stockholm.
Almost 100 representatives of private companies, public authorities, innovation agents, universities, entrepreneurs etc. were gathered in the beautiful “Gyllene Salen” to listen to inputs and lively discussions on how the Nordic/Baltic countries can sustain and further develop their unique position as digital frontrunners. An exclusive panel of speakers from Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Estonia shared their views and ideas on the following topics:
- What key measures should be taken to sustain and leverage on the position we have today? What are the barriers and threats to future development?
- How can the region become a magnet for top talents and entrepreneurs? How to stimulate students in today’s educational system to pursue a career in computer science and entrepreneurism?
- How can a Public-Private Partnerships in different areas of the digital economy stimulate further growth, cross-sector and cross-border solutions?
A brief summary of the discussions will soon be available. Below you can watch the various discussions at the conference.
The conference ended a series of round-tables and seminars during 2012 and 2013 in the Nordic countries, Estonia and Brussels. BDF is preparing a follow up process launching concrete initiatives in cooperation with key public and private stakeholders. Some of the topics from Stockholm will also be addressed at a high level session on ICT and regional growth at the BDF Summit in Riga, 29-30 May 2013.
BDF was represented by Vice Chairman Stephan Müchler, President of Baltic Sea Chambers of Commerce Association, and Head of Public Affairs Torben Aaberg.
See the Conference Programme
The report “Priorities towards a Digital Single Market in the Baltic Sea Region”
Contact person: Torben Aaberg, Head of Public Affairs, ta@bdforum.org