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on Information and Communication Technologies |
| By: | Villar Onrubia Daniel (European Commission - JRC); Barreda Angeles Miguel (European Commission - JRC); Cachia Romina (European Commission - JRC); Economou Anastasia (European Commission - JRC); Lopez Cobo Montserrat (European Commission - JRC) |
| Abstract: | This report provides a comprehensive overview of key insights on cyberbullying drawn from scientific literature, policy documents and legislation. The prevalence of cyberbullying, a form of cyber‑aggression and broader online violence, is growing worldwide and affects individuals and societies. Although policymakers and researchers have worked to define and address it, no definition is currently universally accepted, impeding comparable research and coordinated policy action. The report argues that a standard definition should state that cyberbullying involves the use of digital information and communication technologies but should remain technology agnostic (i.e., avoid mentioning specific types of systems, applications or devices). Furthermore, it should acknowledge that it is characterised by the repetitive nature of harm triggered by the behaviour of an individual or group that is in a power imbalanced relationship, enabled by the social context in which it occurs. It summarises scientific findings on risk and protective factors and on interventions, highlighting that programmes combining education, skills development and parental involvement achieve the best outcomes. The analysis of policy and national legislation reveals fragmented approaches across EU Member States, underscoring the need for harmonised definitions and legal frameworks. The recommendations are directly relevant to the upcoming EU Action Plan against cyberbullying, the Better Internet for Kids strategy, and the Commission’s broader 2024‑2029 priorities to protect children online. |
| Date: | 2025–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ipt:iptwpa:jrc144335 |
| By: | Khouna Nissrine (Hassan II University, ENCG, Casablanca, Morocco.); Adnan El Bouazzaouy (Hassan II University, ENCG, Casablanca, Morocco.); Mostapha Amri (Hassan II University, ENCG, Casablanca, Morocco.) |
| Abstract: | In a context where reliability and traceability are key to health safety, the distribution of pharmaceutical products requires highly digitized logistics systems. This paper analyzes the contributions of ICT to the performance of the distribution supply chain in Morocco, based on a single case study conducted within a company in the Greater Casablanca region, a major player in the sector. The qualitative methodology is based on semi-structured interviews with nine managers from different departments (logistics, information systems, quality, transport, planning, and general management), supplemented by field observations and documentary analysis. The data was processed using NVivo-assisted thematic analysis, ensuring rigorous structuring. The results reveal significant gains: enhanced real-time traceability thanks to barcodes, QR codes, and IoT sensors; optimized inventory management through the integration of WMS/ERP systems, reducing shortages and overstocking; improved route planning and delivery punctuality via TMS and geolocation; consolidated risk management through automatic alerts and integrated monitoring. The originality of the study lies in its empirical perspective on the Moroccan context, where digitalization is becoming a strategic lever for performance and logistical resilience. The managerial implications highlight the need to invest simultaneously in digital infrastructure and human skills development. The limitations (single case, qualitative |
| Abstract: | Dans un contexte où la fiabilité et la traçabilité conditionnent la sécurité sanitaire, la distribution des produits pharmaceutiques requiert des dispositifs logistiques fortement digitalisés. Ce papier analyse les apports des NTIC à la performance de la chaîne logistique de distribution au Maroc, à partir d'une étude de cas unique menée au sein d'une entreprise de la région du Grand Casablanca, acteur majeur du secteur. La méthodologie qualitative repose sur des entretiens semi-directifs auprès de neuf responsables appartenant à différents départements (logistique, systèmes d'information, qualité, transport, planification, et direction générale), complétés par des observations de terrain et une analyse documentaire. Les données ont été traitées via une analyse thématique assistée par NVivo, garantissant une structuration rigoureuse. Les résultats révèlent des gains significatifs : traçabilité en temps réel renforcée grâce aux codes-barres, QR codes et capteurs IoT ; gestion des stocks optimisée par l'intégration de systèmes WMS/ERP, réduisant ruptures et surstocks ; planification des itinéraires et ponctualité des livraisons améliorées via TMS et géolocalisation ; gestion des risques consolidée grâce aux alertes automatiques et à la surveillance intégrée. L'originalité de l'étude réside dans la mise en perspective empirique du contexte marocain, où la digitalisation devient un levier stratégique de performance et de résilience logistique. Les implications managériales soulignent la nécessité d'investir simultanément dans les infrastructures numériques et le développement des compétences humaines. Les limites (cas unique, approche qualitative) ouvrent la voie à des études comparatives multi-cas et à une évaluation quantitative de la performance. |
| Keywords: | Morocco, NTIC, Distribution des produits pharmaceutiques, Chaîne logistique |
| Date: | 2025–10–17 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05326726 |
| By: | Jamal, Haroon |
| Abstract: | Total Factor Productivity (TFP) represents the efficiency with which capital and labor inputs are utilized in the production process. It captures the impact of elements beyond mere increases in the quantity of inputs and represents factors such as technological progress, innovation, improvements in organizational efficiency and institutional quality. This study estimates TFP of manufacturing firms in Pakistan using latest available firm level data collected and compiled for the World Bank Enterprise Survey (WBES) of 2022. Data of the WBES of 2007 is also employed to estimate comparative TFP magnitudes. The research also evaluates the impact of few organizational characteristics of firms on the current level of TFP for the year 2022. The study indicates low level of TFP with the deteriorating trend. These results are consistent with the findings of earlier research on TFP in the context of Pakistan. This study estimates close to 9 percent decline in the magnitude of TFP during the period of 2007 and 2022. However, the extent of deterioration varies across provinces and across industrial sectors. The largest decline (25 percent) in TFP magnitude is estimated in Baluchistan province, followed by KPK (10%). In terms of industrial sectors, the notable sectors where TFP magnitude has declined are Food (43%) and Leather and Leather product (45%). In contrast, sectors in which TFP has improved during 2007-2022 include; Machinery and Equipment (56%), Chemical and Chemical Products (47%) and Wearing Apparels (27%). The econometrical results related with the determinants of productivity suggest that factors which enhance the firms’ performance and level of productivity include; use of information and communication technology, formal training programs for employees, access to international market, proportion of skilled production workers and the presence of competitive market environment. The TFP literature suggests that to increase TFP in Pakistani manufacturing firms, a multifaceted approach focused on improving efficiency, technology, human capital, and the overall business environment is required. |
| Keywords: | TFP; Manufacturing firms; Pakistan |
| JEL: | D24 L60 |
| Date: | 2025–11–06 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:126733 |
| By: | Cosgrove Judith (European Commission - JRC); Cachia Romina (European Commission - JRC) |
| Abstract: | DigComp 3.0 is the fifth edition of the European Digital Competence Framework for Citizens. It describes knowledge, skills and attitudes that are needed to be digitally competent for daily life, participation in society, working and learning. The framework is technology-neutral and is designed to be tailored and adapted for a variety of purposes in education, training and employment contexts. The framework update reflects rapid digital technological developments that have occurred since 2022 and which have wide-ranging implications for digital competence. DigComp 3.0 includes new learning outcomes which provide a more granular view of digital competence than previously, as well as the systematic and transversal integration of AI across the framework. It supports EU policies and initiatives on digital skills (such as the Union of Skills and the Digital Decade Policy Programme) and the societal and economic implications of the digital transformation (such as the AI Continent Action Plan and the European Strategy for a Better Internet for Kids). It is intended for individuals and organisations, whether local, regional, national, European or international, who share the common goal of understanding and identifying digital skills needs and supporting their development. |
| Date: | 2025–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ipt:iptwpa:jrc144121 |
| By: | Koski, Heli; Rouvinen, Petri |
| Abstract: | Abstract The focus of next-generation mobile network development has shifted from infrastructure to data, software, and innovation ecosystems. Leading firms are expanding their R&D investments most rapidly in digital services and semiconductors, while R&D in telecommunications infrastructure has grown more slowly. At the same time, global technological leadership has increasingly concentrated in the United States and Asia. Europe’s share has declined across nearly all domains central to 5G and 6G technologies, and its position in data-driven innovation, software, and commercial scaling has weakened. The EU’s digital regulation has become a double-edged sword: it strengthens privacy and consumer protection but simultaneously increases the costs of innovation and business growth, particularly in data-intensive sectors. Competitiveness in the 6G era will require a balance between regulation, innovation, and investment. Europe must strengthen the conditions for data utilization and ease regulatory constraints that hinder innovation. In the long term, competitiveness will depend not only on the creation of new firms but also on Europe’s ability to grow and sustain its own global players that can create value across the key layers of the data-driven economy. |
| Keywords: | 5G, 6G, Global markets, Regulation, Innovation capabilities, Patents, R&D |
| JEL: | E62 E63 H30 |
| Date: | 2025–12–10 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rif:briefs:169 |
| By: | Koski, Heli; Rouvinen, Petri |
| Abstract: | Abstract This report examines the global race for 5G and 6G leadership through a comparative analysis of regulation, R&D investment, patenting, and the rollout of next-generation networks and services across Europe, the United States, and Asia. The United States leads in digital services and semiconductors, while Asia dominates telecommunications infrastructure and hardware. Europe’s strengths lie in telecom equipment and specific semiconductor niches but remain too narrow to offset weaknesses in digital platforms and data-driven services. Patent data highlight Asia’s stronger position in 5G technologies, while R&D spending confirms U.S. leadership in areas less visible in patent counts yet vital for long-term innovation and value creation. Europe performs relatively well in 5G network deployment and services in some member states but lacks the scale in digital services and innovation ecosystems needed for global leadership. The EU’s comprehensive digital regulation has particularly strengthened privacy protection but risks constraining innovation. To remain a meaningful player in the 6G era, Europe must align its regulatory ambitions with its production and innovation capacities and its investment incentives. Without such recalibration, well-intentioned regulation may ultimately erode the competitiveness it seeks to protect. |
| Keywords: | 5G, 6G, Global markets, Regulation, Innovation capabilities, Patents, R&D |
| JEL: | O33 O38 O32 O57 L52 L96 L8 |
| Date: | 2025–12–10 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rif:report:170 |
| By: | Masanori Kozono (Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)); Ari Aji Cahyono (Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)); Siti Mustaqimatud Diyanah (Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)) |
| Abstract: | Digital technologies are transforming the agriculture and food systems of ASEAN, offering new opportunities to enhance productivity, sustainability, and resilience. ASEAN has taken collective steps to accelerate this transition through initiatives such as the ASEAN Guidelines on Promoting the Utilisation of Digital Technologies for ASEAN Food and Agricultural Sector (2021), the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition in Response to Crises (2023), and the Action Plan for Sustainable Agriculture in ASEAN (2024). To support these regional efforts, this study assesses the current utilisation of digital tools across agricultural value chains, identifies barriers to technology diffusion, and analyses enabling policy frameworks. Based on surveys of 824 respondents across eight ASEAN Member States (AMS), the study finds that smartphone-based solutions – such as advisory applications, digital payments, and marketplaces – are the most widely adopted. However, adoption is primarily driven by economic objectives rather than environmental benefits. The main constraints include limited infrastructure, low digital literacy, and high adoption costs. Looking ahead, digital marketplaces and drones are expected to become the most in-demand technologies. Comprehensive and inclusive policies – anchored in strong infrastructure, skills development, financing mechanisms, and regional co-operation – are critical to advancing sustainable digital transformation in ASEAN’s agri-food systems. Latest Articles |
| Date: | 2025–11–21 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:era:wpaper:pb-2025-12 |
| By: | Calza Elisa (European Commission - JRC); Napolitano Lorenzo (European Commission - JRC); Soguero Escuer Jorge (European Commission - JRC); De Prato Giuditta (European Commission - JRC); Tuebke Alexander (European Commission - JRC); Tuebke Alexander (European Commission - JRC) |
| Abstract: | We analyse the advanced manufacturing (AM) industrial landscape via the Digital Techno-Eco-nomic ecoSystem (DGTES) and position the EU Industrial R&D Investment Scoreboard firms. Over 70% of global AM firms are concentrated in China (45%), the US (17%), and Europe (10%), pointing to a clear regional dominance in the DGTES AM ecosystem. The EU is still well positioned relative to its number of activities in critical technologies for the AM industry, like´3D Printing´. The EU and Japan have higher R&D investment and patent filings of Scoreboard firms compared to the broader DGTES AM ecosystem (e.g., 16% vs. 10% in the EU) making them candidates for driving the uptake of AM technologies. However, China leads in overall AM ecosystem patent activity. ´3D printing´ dominates the AM ecosystem (27%), but Scoreboard firms excel in ´Power Electronics´ (35% vs. 20%). The manufacturing sector leads in both (47% overall, 68% for Scoreboard firms), with significant presence in ´ICT´ and ´professional services´. |
| Date: | 2025–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ipt:iptwpa:jrc142720 |