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CECE and CEMA hold joint political summit

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World Cement,


The presidents of CECE and CEMA (the European Agricultural Machinery Association) presented to the EU institutions a manifesto with five EU priority actions for a successful digital transformation of the construction and agricultural machinery industries at their joint political summit in Brussels on 23 September.

Smart regulation to cover virtual testing and self-propelled vehicles
Both industries highlighted the prominent role of EU legislation in mastering the transition towards higher-value digitized machines and processes. As digital technologies are set to transform the two industries and their products in the coming years, both customers and manufacturers will face considerable change, challenges and opportunities.

“We need a smart regulatory framework that helps to unlock the full potential of the digital economy,” said CECE President Eric Lepine upon the presentation of the manifesto, which explains what this could mean in practice: a smart legislation would, for example, ensure that relevant EU regulation recognizes virtual testing of machines in order to replace, reduce and refine such conventional tests in the future, with the current requirement that a human needs to be in control of a vehicle at all times also being reviewed.

A reliable and secure cyberspace is needed
In order to achieve a high degree of interoperability and compatibility of digital technologies and systems, it is necessary for the digital economy to have a harmonized, European approach. In line with the need for manufacturers and users to have a reliable and secure cyberspace, a European approach must establish clear and appropriate rules governing questions such as ownership, management and exploitation of digital flows, as well as the role and function of cloud-based platforms in the digital economy. EU programmes, such as the European Investment Plan, have a role to play in supporting both competitiveness and the uptake of innovation in areas of construction. An essential precondition for this is an adequate broadband infrastructure across the entire EU.

Demand for highly skilled workers
A successful digital transformation would trigger a growing demand for highly skilled workers. The industry suggests that it is important for digital skills to be better integrated into the educational curriculum, particularly ongoing skill development programmes related to manufacturing, engineering and construction. Member states should work towards establishing mutual recognition of ICT qualifications across the EU, and promote cross-border mobility, in order to tackle the estimated shortage of ICT professionals in Europe in the coming years.


Adapted from press release by

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/24092015/cece-and-cema-hold-joint-political-summit-653/

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