DIGITALEUROPE’s response to the public consultation on “Building the European data economy”.

INTRODUCTION

Data has become an essential resource for economic growth, job creation and societal progress. Data analysis facilitates better decision-making, innovation and the prediction of future events. Europe aims to exploit this potential without infringing the rights and freedoms of people or damaging economic investments made into generating data. Within this context, the Commission aims to foster an efficient, competitive single market for data services including cloud-based ones. It needs to identify the legal, economic, and regulatory challenges, and to launch a discussion with stakeholders on future action.

On 10 January 2017, the Commission adopted the “Building the European Data Economy” package consisting of a Communication and a Staff Working Document. These policy documents give an overview of issues at stake, and of the context of this consultation. Respondents are invited to read them prior to completing the questionnaire.