The European Commission has presented a set of measures intended to support and link national initiatives for the “digitisation of industry”. The initiative is part of the policy push to improve competition and support industry including, the Capital Markets Union, Energy Union, Single Market Strategy, Investment Plan and the Energy Union.
Andrus Ansip, Vice-President for Digital Single Market said the “the industrial revolution of our time is digital.”
Günther Oettinger, Commissioner for the Digital Economy and Society, explained that Europe would only be able to maintain its leading role if their efforts for the digitisation of industry are successful.
The plan estimates that over €50 billion of public and private investments to support the policy initiative.
UK Business Minister Baroness Neville-Rolfe echoed the sentiment held by the EU. The Minister stated;
“The fourth industrial revolution will fundamentally change the way we do business in this country. As with previous industrial revolutions, the expectation must be that the net effect will be positive for almost everyone. I look forward to working with the Commission on a package that works for UK businesses and agreeing a way forward in the Competitiveness Council.”
The comments from the UK government come just as referendum nears regarding the UK’s relationship with the European Union. The Brexit is being explicilty supported by the Cameron government but popular support remains mixed at best.