Intel research embraces European IT goals

Lisbon Strategy
The Lisbon Strategy was a European Union undertaking made in March 2000 to make Europe "the most dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy in the world capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion, and respect for the environment by 2010."

Unfortunately that strategy has not been fulfilled with Europe falling behind other regions. And so — the Lisbon strategy is dead long live the EU's 2020 vision, an updated version of the strategy with the deadlines pushed out to 2020. The European Commission intends to present a formal proposal for the EU 2020 strategy early next year.

And Intel, at the services end of its research in Europe, is looking how to define new socio-economic models based on the ubiquity of the Internet. "That could be digital education, digital health, digital manufacturing, or even digital government. We want to create proof-of-concept research with the advantage that it could be quickly replicated across the continent," said Professor Curley.

Professor Curley said Intel is not being altruistic in this because while such research may be good for Europe it is also good for Intel. The eventual solutions will be based on the uptake of information and communications technology which should mean greater demand for Intel processors and software.

As an example of how hardware can create service opportunities Professor Curley cited the Apple iPod which stimulated the creation of the iTunes website and music download service. In a similar manner secure silicon could be used to enable an Intel Health Guide; a way for people to pro-actively manage their health at home, he said.

"We do see Europe as a springboard for services. We can grow organically, by acquisition and service is becoming an alternative. And services are something that we can enable close to silicon and higher up the stack [food chain]," said Professor Curley.

Intel Labs Europe calls its innovation agenda "Digital Europe" and this is now aligned with the aims of the European Union for an innovation-based economy and a better-connected society. Implicit in this is a more partnership along with government strategies for broadband deployment, PC purchase programs, digital literacy programs and online services. If Intel can help Europe turn around its economy through the power of IT that will be good news for Europe and good news for Intel.

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