Innovative information technologies including sensor technologies and social media have led to an explosion of digital data, a trend that is usually referred to as Big Data.

Most analysts regard Big Data as one of the major trends in ICT that will have a tremendous impact on society and business. But how to create business value out of Big Data? What kind of new business models and new services can we expect to emerge around Big Data? What is the potential of Big Data for jobs and growth in Europe? Is Europe lagging behind or can Europe assume a leadership role in Big Data? How will citizen and consumers finally benefit from Big Data? Is there a need for a new regulatory framework and standards for Big Data in the EU? And what are the policy initiatives of the European Commission around Big Data? 

These are some of the questions we will discuss at the EIF Dinner Debate on Big Data on September 24.

• Programme - 24th September 2013

  Welcome and introduction:

  Pilar del Castillo, MEP and EIF Chair

  Speakers:

  Roberto Viola, Deputy Director General, European Commission DG CNECT

  Stefan Sigg, Senior Vice President for Big Data at SAP

  Jens-Henrik Jeppesen, Director, European Affairs, Center for Democracy & Technology

  Exchange of views with participants