Presenting the list of priorities for the European funds to research and innovation in ICT (information and communication technology) for 2009/2010 (2.2 billion euros); promoting the development of cooperation and partnership networks of researchers and corporations, with a view to joint projects; reviewing the key public-policy issues in order to boost innovation through development and the effective use of the ICT; presenting the best projects of the Framework Plan for Technological Research and Development (FPTRD) and the latest breakthroughs from the European research laboratories: these are the goals of the "Ict 2008" conference, one of the projects of the French presidency of the EU, which started in Lyons (Congress Centre) yesterday. The event, which will be attended by 5 thousand digital technology experts, including researchers, scientists, executives and politicians, was opened by Luc Chatel, secretary of state in charge of industry and consumption, and Viviane Reding, European Commissioner for the information society and the media. In particular, the congress will look at the new calculus paradigms, bio- and nano-ICT, cognitive robotics and ICT for the world of science. An exhibition will gather 200 exhibitors divided into eight theme villages.
