Building on the success of last year, the 3rd Annual Bangalore conference was on 26th September. As a focal point for end-users, consultants and solution providers, the Data Centre Dynamics Conference & Expo has firmly established itself as the largest gathering of Data Centre professionals involved in the Design, build and operational management of 24/7 mission critical IT facilities from the data center to the LAN closet. Its is an unrivaled education & networking opportunity for the industry, where regular audience is characterized by senior representatives from a range of industries such as Finance, IT Companies, manufacturing and service enterprises, the public sector and government entities. The systems, applications, operational requirements and infrastructure technologies coming online are transforming the modern data centre facility. From soaring energy costs and demands to reduce carbon emissions to the impact of blade servers, the role of virtualization, grids and utility computing, the inherent rising thermal management problems, requests for more power per rack, and the need for advanced automation and management tools, the pressure on data centre operators to do more with less sees no sign of abating.
New project paves the way for next generation optical networks – 19 September 2008
A new EU-funded project to boost the capacity and efficiency of the next generation of optical networks has just got underway. The PHASORS ('Phase sensitive amplifier systems and optical regenerators and their applications') initiative is funded under the 'Information and communication technology' (ICT) Theme of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) to the tune of EUR 3.9 million. The aim of PHASORS is to develop and demonstrate new technologies, such as Phase Sensitive Amplification (PSA), that have the potential to significantly enhance both the transmission capacity and energy efficiency of optical communication networks. This field is still relatively new, and the project should help to make Europe a world leader in this emerging area. The project results are expected to be used in a wide range of fields including communications, sensing, aerospace, metrology, quantum communications and medicine.
Broadband: Commission consults on regulatory strategy to promote high-speed Next Generation Access networks in Europe – Brussels, 18 September 2008
The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the regulatory principles to be applied by EU Member States to Next Generation Access broadband networks (NGA). NGA optical fibre-based networks enable bitrates several times higher than those currently available on traditional copper wire networks. NGAs are required to deliver high-definition content (such as high definition television) and interactive applications. The objective of a common regulatory framework for NGA is to foster a consistent treatment of operators in the EU and thereby ensure the necessary regulatory predictability to invest.The Commission is consulting on the basis of a draft Recommendation, addressed to the regulators in the 27 EU Member States and suggesting definitions for harmonized categories of regulated services, access conditions, rates of return and appropriate risk premiums.
India spending $84.6 billion on ICT – New Delhi,15 September 2008
India is one of the fastest growing countries in the Asia-Pacific region when it comes to spending on Information and Communications (ICT) Technology, according to a recent report. Research conducted by economic and financial analysts Global Insight shows that India is currently spending $84.6 billion on ICT and that figure is set to rise to $130.9 billion by 2011.More than 100 companies from India will participate at Gitex Technology Week, during 19-23 October 2008 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, looking to build on strong relationships between the Indian and UAE technology industries.
Conference on "Financial Inclusion for Sustainable Development" -New Delhi,15 September 2008
Financial sector policies in India have long been driven by the objective of increasing financial inclusion, but the goal of universal inclusion is still a distant dream. It is a well-recognized fact that access to finance by the poor and vulnerable groups is a prerequisite for poverty reduction and social cohesion. At this juncture, the issue that needs to be analyzed and debated is appropriate structure, enabling factors and desired flexibility required in our system to achieve financial inclusion goal. Dr. C Rangarajan, MP and former Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, put forward a road map for strengthening the rural credit delivery system of commercial banks, Regional Rural Banks and micro finance institutions for achieving financial inclusion which today “is no longer an option but a compulsion”. FICCI, the apex industry association is keenly involved in this process. This Conference on Financial Inclusion aims to bring forth some important views and perspective of all the stakeholders in this segment in order to generate a meaningful debate that would help lay down a roadmap to achieve this mission.
ICT for Independent Living and Active Ageing at Home – Brussels, 22 July 2008
The objective of the event is to discuss the findings from the first round of national data gathering within the context of the ICT & Ageing study. The workshop is to bring together around 20 experts and representatives of key stakeholder groups, including user organisations, reimbursers, service providers, technology providers, policy makers and the research community, as well as the representatives from Commission Services. Participation is by invitationonly and the entrance is free of charge.
EU project offering bright lights for bright future–July 16, 2008
The EU-supported project OLLA ('Organic LEDs for ICT and lighting applications'), backed with EUR 12 million in financing, may have come to an end, but the consortium has announced an extended collaboration via the OLED100.eu project. The partnership forged between leading European companies will tackle OLED (organic light-emitting diode) lighting technology. The project's aim is to improve the efficiency, lifetime and size of the light-emitting diodes. Coordinated by Patrick Keur, OLED100.eu kicks off on 1 September 2008 and ends in 2011. The project partners seek to secure a power efficiency of 100 lumens per watt; lengthen the lifetime by more than 100 000 hours; expand the area to one metre by one metre, and reduce production costs to or under €100 per square metre. For nearly two decades scientists have sought ways to convert electrical energy into visible light by using means other than incandescent sources. They have also looked to offer the market highly efficient and fully customized light in form, colour and appearance. However, they have focused their energies on display applications only. Sources now say that the potential of OLED technology is great, particularly as OLEDs can provide a myriad of products which offer high efficiencies at high brightness, different appearances, as well as shape and colour combinations.
Indian biotech sector grows by 20 percent – India, July 15 2008
India's fledgling biotechnology sector posted $2.56 billion (Rs.103 billion) in revenue during 2007-08, registering 20 percent growth over the previous fiscal at $2.1 billion, an industry survey revealed."Though the sector grew at a healthy 20 percent, it was lower than 30 percent growth posted over the previous five consecutive years, largely due to the rupee appreciating by 12 percent and pricing pressures impacting export earnings," N. Suresh of BioSpectrum, which commissioned the survey, said here in a statement Tuesday.The survey, conducted by the Association of Biotech Led Enterprises (ABLE), noted that 56 percent of the sector's revenue - $1.44 billion - was generated from exports. Biopharma accounted for about 70 percent of exports, and bioservices 26 percent.
Networking at ICT Lyon 2008: Have your say – France,14 July 2008
Networking sessions are defined by ICT stakeholders themselves. They are specifically designed to facilitate contacts between researchers, innovators and engineers from all ICT fields. That is why the ICT community itself proposes the networking sessions for ICT 2008.214 networking sessions are now online following the call for proposals that closed in June. This is not the final list - we want to know what you think of them to help us make that final selection for ICT 2008. You can do this in two ways:-
* Post comments: Every networking session page allows you to leave a comment so you can let us know what you think. Look for the 'Add a Comment' link at the bottom of these pages. Your comment will appear immediately on the page, and will include a link to your Public Profile, so people interested in your comment can find out more about you. If you do not have a Public Profile then only your first name, last name and organisation will be published.
* Rate the session: You can show your interest in a session by giving it a rating between one and four stars. This rating will not appear online but will help the organizers gauge interest.
EU to double its R&D investment in robotics Brussels, 10 June 2008
The European Union has today a strong position in industrial robots for automation: about one third of all industrial robots are produced in Europe. The robotics market's growth rate will form an important part of the world economy within the next two decades: the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) estimates the current world market for industrial robots at about € 4 billion and forecasts a 4.2% increase per year until 2010. Service robots that operate outside the manufacturing domain offer opportunities for new applications and market expansion: according to the IFR, growth in this market is expected to reach between 10% and 15% per year between now and 2010 and the number of professional service robots will grow from 40,000 in 2006 to 75,000 in 2010. Service robots are used in many sectors, e.g. for the distribution of goods, for cleaning vehicles, in agriculture and in medical applications. Robotics is strategic for Europe's future competitiveness. Manufacturing will only be maintained in higher wage regions such as Europe through automation. Automation also plays a key role in ensuring a sustainable production and minimizing wasteful use of resources. Finally it will contribute to help Europe's ageing society by compensating for a declining labour force.
EU contributes EUR 40 million to fight against infectious diseases 2 June, 2008
The European Commission has promised EUR 40 million in funding to the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP). The amount signifies half of the EUR 80 million that the EDCTP has approved for research into the prevention of poverty-related diseases in Africa.
This latest funding announcement from the EDCTP represents the highest amount of funding approved to date by the body. The EU's contribution will be matched by the EU Member States and third parties involved in the initiative. The money will go towards research into tuberculosis vaccines, malaria treatments, malaria vaccines and studies on malaria in pregnancy. Further funding for HIV vaccines, treatments and microbicides and TB treatment is expected to be made available later this year.
The trials initiated by the EDCTP involving TB and malaria will also be combined with capacity building and networking activities. These will ensure the long term sustainability of clinical trials in the region. A number of projects will focus on creating and developing capacity for ethics reviews of clinical trials and on enhancing the regulatory framework needed for approval of medicines in Africa. This enables African countries to conduct high-quality and ethically sound clinical trials, and to assess the safety and efficacy of all medicines that enter the African market.
IT for SME is a combination of business to business exhibition, forum and workshops on how SMEs can adopt IT and streamline business processes. The event is being organized by Samanuaya Communications - a leading business media services firm in association with MCCIA. Profile for exhibit include IT solutions such as ERP, CRM, PLM, Hardware, Networking, Internet, Mobile Technologies, Broadband etc.
European eGovernment Services to Public Administrations, Business and Citizens - aims at initiating, supporting and coordinating the collaboration between volunteer Member States in the definition of a "Common Assessment Method for Standards and Specifications" and sharing of the assessment study results for the development of eGovernment services. The event will focus on the presentation of CAMSS and its achievements, and will be CAMSS open to discussion with the stakeholders. The one day event will be organised in the frame of phase 1 of the CAMSS project activities, defining a common set of guidelines for the assessment of standards and specifications based on national best practices.The morning session will focus on the presentation and the objectives of the project illustrated by Member State use cases; the afternoon session will be dedicated to the presentation of the CAMSS followed by panel discussions on possible following works.
The South East European Research Centre (SEERC), a Research Centre of the University of Sheffield (UK) and CITY College (GR) accepts applications from candidates for doctoral study. The PhD programme is run jointly by the University of Sheffield and CITY Liberal Studies under a joint supervision scheme. The programme is hosted by the South East European Research Centre (SEERC), a Research Centre of the University of Sheffield and CITY Liberal Studies based in Thessaloniki, Greece. The deadline for applications is Monday May 26, 2008. For topics and details on how to submit an application please download and read carefully the Call for Applications that you will find at: http://www.seerc.org
Boosting growth and jobs by meeting our climate change commitments - Brussels Date:23 January 2008
The European Commission has agreed on a far-reaching package of proposals that will deliver the European Council's commitments to fight climate change and promote renewable energy. The proposals demonstrate that the targets agreed last year are technologically and economically possible and provide a unique business opportunity for thousands of European companies. These measures will dramatically increase the use of renewable energy in each country and set legally enforceable targets for governments to achieve them. All major CO2 emitters will be given an incentive to develop clean production technologies through a thorough reform of the Emissions Trading System (ETS) that will impose an EU-wide cap on emissions. The package seeks to deliver the European Union to reduce greenhouse gases by at least 20% and increases to 20% the share of renewable energies in the energy consumption by 2020, as agreed by EU leaders in March 2007. The emissions reduction will be increased to 30% by 2020 when a new global climate change agreement is reached.
India Sourcing Summit 2008 - Bangalore
Date: 8-9 February 2008
Sourcing & supply management are the decisive factors for future business success in
India – for almost every industry. Sourcing & supply management needs to be on top of the agenda of every MD and CEO. The India Sourcing Summit (ISS) is the annual conference organized by IIM Bangalore and Supply Management Institute. We invite the “who is who” in India related to sourcing & supply management to participate in this summit.
ISS 2008 will be a high level conference bringing together chief executives and senior representatives from India based companies, MNCs and companies from across the globe. Also leading academia from US, Europe, China and India will participate to give new research insights. ISS 2008 will be a Knowledge Event.
European Commission adopts Code of Conduct for Responsible Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies Research – Brussels Date: 8 February , 2008
Europe is in the vanguard of the emerging field of nanosciences and nanotechnologies (N&N), a developing field of science with the potential for major positive impact economically, socially and environmentally. Nevertheless, knowledge gaps remain about the impact of these technologies on human health and the environment, as well as issues relating to ethics and the respect of fundamental rights. This is why the Commission is today recommending to the Member States to adopt a Code of Conduct to govern research in this field. Based around 7 general principles covering issues such as sustainability, precaution, inclusiveness and accountability, the Code of Conduct invites Member States to take concrete action, involving universities, research institutes and companies, for the safe development and use of nanotechnologies.
European Business and Technology Centre proposed In New Delhi, India - New Delhi Date: 27 February 2008
The European Commission is inviting proposals for the establishment of a European Business and Technology Centre in New Delhi, India. This will be a Call for Proposals for which the European Commission has made 6.6 million euro available, representing up to 80 per cent of the cost. The successful applicant will have to provide a minimum of 20 per cent of the cost for the proposed action. The overall objective of this call for proposals is the establishment of a European Business and Technology Centre to improve links between European and Indian businesses and with Science and Technology (ST) stakeholders involving business, industry and public bodies with a view to essentially promote the EU interests in India and tap the fast-growing Indian economy. The centre will build synergies among the national chambers of commerce of EU Member States established in India; collaborate with the European business associations in India and Europe; provide an interface between public policy makers and private actors; raise awareness about existing European programmes in the field of Science and Technology and business and industry cooperation. Considering the rapid economic growth in India, it is imperative for the EU to encourage partnerships, exchanges and joint ventures among the EU and India to tap the dynamic developments in the Indian economy.
EU sees India as very important strategic partner – Indo-Asian News Service Date: 28 February , 2008
India is a very important strategic partner for the European Union, a top EU official has said, pointing out that the two sides were working closely together in politics, trade, development and global issues.
European Commissioner for External Relations and European neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner has described EU-India ties as “excellent”.
Energy Commissioner Positive developments in wind sector - Opening speech at the EWEC - Brussels Date: 31 March 2008
Of all renewable energy technologies, wind energy has delivered the most promising results in the EU for a number of years now. With an increase of more than 8,500 MW last year, the total capacity in December 2007 was close to 57,000 MW. This capacity accounts for nearly 4% of EU power demand. In comparison, less than 1% of EU electricity demand was met by wind power in 2000. Wind energy is now increasing more than any other power technology in Europe. On a global basis over 20,000 MW of wind power was installed in 2007, bringing world-wide installed capacity to almost 100 000 MW. There are several reasons why we must ensure that the growth trend in wind energy in Europe continues. Being a renewable and indigenous resource it has positive impacts on CO2 emission reductions and on security of supply as well as a positive impact on jobs, regional development and export opportunities.
Speech by Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy,"Revisiting EU-India relations - prospects for a deepened strategic partnership to face global challenges" Indian Council for World Affairs Date: Delhi, 4 January 2008
As global powers, the EU and India both have a responsibility to take the lead in the international effort to tackle pressing global challenges such as addressing climate change and global poverty; guaranteeing energy security; fighting terrorism and organised crime; dealing with mass migration; and succeeding in a more competitive economic environment.
There are a number of challenges which he believe should be the focus of EU-India partnership in the year ahead.
Effective Multilateralism
Energy Security and Climate Change
Security
The proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction is another pressing global challenge we face together as partners. India and the EU agree that all States must comply with their non-proliferation and disarmament obligations including through national implementation of effective export control measures as detailed in UNSC Resolution 1540.
INDIA-EU Joint Statement Date: New Delhi, 30 November 2007
The eighth India-European Union Summit was held in Delhi on 30 November 2007. The Republic of India was represented by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, External Affairs Minister, Shri Kamal Nath, Minister for Commerce and Industry, Shri M K Narayanan, National Security Adviser. The EU was represented by Mr José Sócrates, Prime Minister of Portugal, in his capacity as President of the European Council, by Mr José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, Mr Peter
Mandelson, European Commissioner for Trade, and Mr João Gomes Cravinho, Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
Mandelson: EU seeks ambitious trade pact with "indispensable" India Date: New Delhi, 29 November 2007
EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson has today argued that an ambitious Free Trade Agreement between India and the EU could provide a big boost to both economies and shore up global demand if the world economy begins to cool. Speaking to the EU-India Business Summit ahead of the EU-India Summit tomorrow he said that reinforcing strong Indian economic growth was now an "integral part of maintaining global economic demand and a healthy global economy" and "a mark of India's growing weight in the world. India is now an indispensable part of the global economic architecture".
EU- India Summit: setting the path for a growing strategic partnership Date: Brussels, 29 November 2007
The 8th EU-India Summit took place on 30 November 2007 in New Delhi. This year’s Summit will confirm in many respects the strengthening of EU-India relations: on the agenda are issues like trade, energy, climate change, WTO talks, as well as regional issues such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Africa, the Middle East, and Pakistan. It is expected that the two sides will sign the renewal of their cooperation agreement on science and technology as well as a Memorandum of Understanding on EC- India development cooperation 2007 – 2010 amounting to 260 million euro covering health, education, civil aviation and academic and cultural cooperation. In addition, the EC will also be providing 7 million euro for the creation of a European Business and Technology Centre (EBTC) in New Delhi to foster links between the business and scientific communities from both sides. On 29th November, in the margins of the Summit, the EU-India Business summit will take place. José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, and José Socrates, Prime Minister of Portugal and currently holding the EU Presidency, will meet with Indian Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh. Commissioner for Trade, Peter Mandelson participated in the Summit.
EU-India science and technology cooperation moves up another gear Date: New Delhi, 7 November 2007
At the start of his second official visit to India as the European Commission's top research official, Director-General José Manuel Silva Rodríguez stated: "I am confident that we are embarking upon a new era in science and technology cooperation between the European Union and India. Our S&T Cooperation Agreement is about to be renewed for a further 5 years; we are about to announce exciting new opportunities for collaborative research by leading European and Indian scientists, based on excellence, mutual benefit and co-investment. With our Indian colleagues from the Department of Science and Technology, we will establish a road map of our strategic S&T cooperation for 2008 and beyond. I am also pleased to say that both the quality and quantity of Indian participants, even in this early stage of the European Union’s 7th Research Framework Programme already shows a healthy increase as compared to previous Framework Programmes."
