With job creation consistently high on the European agenda, telework is inevitably one of the key topics in debates on the transition to an Information Society. Telework can play an important role in supporting competitiveness, growth and prosperity, jobs, social cohesion and sustainability, as reflected in policies and programmes at every level from the village community to the enlargement of the European Union.
However, despite strong interest from individuals and business, as well as benefits for society as a whole, the uptake of telework is still lagging behind expectations. Teleworking is not yet a mainstream practice. Today, most Europeans have heard of the concept, but many think that telework is only about working at home for one or two days a week. Much still needs to be done in raising awareness about the wider range of opportunities offered by new infrastructures and technologies.
This publication provides a status report on European telework. It focuses on activities in the 4th Framework Programme of European Research and Technology Development (in particular the IT Programme ESPRIT, the Communications Technology programme ACTS, and the programme for Telematic Applications), Social Fund activities (in particular the ADAPT Programme), and the new framework for the development of Trans European Telecom Networks.
These activities, supported at European level, accompany a wide spectrum of policy debates, centred on the opportunities for new employment. These debates have been stimulated in 1996 and 1997 by Consultation documents issued by the European Commission (1, 2), and animated at the annual European Assemblies on "New Ways to Work"(3) and during European Telework Week.(4)
A wide and vigorous policy debate is essential in an area that will affect the future working life of millions of Europeans. Your participation is vital.
Foreword signed by:
Peter Johnston
Maarten Botterman
at the European Commission, DGXIII-B, September 1997
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Page last updated: 24 October 1997