UE 2009   |  Español

Context: the “Digital Age”

We are currently living through a period of uncertainty at a global scale, but we also have the opportunity to address these uncertainties through imaginative initiatives reflecting the new paradigms that have emerged with the digital age . We need to establish channels for greater social participation in the construction of a multicultural Europe based on social inclusion and gender equality. If we are to take this reality on board, we will need to consider the validity of our current economic and cultural models. If we are going to build a Knowledge Society sustained by the interdisciplinary and horizontal relationships that define our societies, we must make a clear commitment to quality education that incentivises and encourages creativity, research and an innovation culture free of sexual, economic or racial discrimination.

The Knowledge Society in the digital age is being determined by the rapid expansion of technologies in microelectronics, nanotechnology, computing, robotics and communication networks as well as sustainable, ecological development. These fields have brought about profound changes and a radical redefinition of all social economic spheres and also, logically, in human endeavour in culture and the arts. As such we need to ensure that new technologies are tools common to all sectors of society, offering an environment for effective collaboration whereby the creation, distribution and manipulation of the information form an important element of cultural and economic activity. There should be a focus on the individual, integrated and directed to development so that everyone is able to create, consult, use and share information and knowledge. And individuals, communities and peoples should be allowed to make full use of the possibilities that the promotion of sustainable development has to offer, to fully enjoy the increased quality of life.

In order to achieve this, it is necessary to promote a well-informed society that can exercise critical control and enjoy the full benefits of new information and communication technologies, where art and digital culture help to disseminate ICT throughout all strata of society.

The rigid boundaries and traditional division between Art and Science have now become a creative meeting point with social and economic repercussions. The traditional R+D+i should now include “C” for Creativity. Ideas and creativity are what moves the world and allow societies to progress. We can only generate sufficient innovation to design our future for and among all if we can forge a committed alliance between Art, Science, Technology, Innovation, Enterprise, Institutions and Society.

The challenge for individuals developing skills in any area of knowledge is to take on board the needs of this new model of society, to be informed and up to date, to innovate, but above all, to develop new propositions and generate knowledge.

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