After more than five years of economic stagnation, recession, and austerity there is a growing sense that the worst is over for Europe. The continent is going to recover at a slow pace but still stay fragile for years. The length and duration of the economic recession have served to illustrate persistent differences both among various Western European countries and Central and Eastern Europe in terms of ICT spending levels, growth rates, and demand patterns. Are the technology trends in ICT going to change together with the improving economic situation? If yes, then which trends, at what speed and in which countries?
This EITO thematic report gives an overview of key technology trends that are currently shaping the ICT environment and industry. The Key Technology Trend Report 2013/14 focuses on mobility, cloud, big data and social business in Europe distinguishing between Western Europe and Central & Eastern Europe. This report is an excerpt from the more comprehensive “ICT Market Report 2013/14” and includes the chapters that analyze macroeconomic developments affecting the ICT market as well as the chapters on key technology trends.