227/08 Social challanges s the basis for foresight - Gaia

IPR rules enabling new business: IPR is central
to media business, but it can act locally either
as a hindrance or as an enabler. IPR legislation
needs to be internationally reconsidered,
for example to better support open innovation
practices in media. How much would different
IPR rules change things? Legislation regarding
owner and consumer rights to media is also far
from perfect. The unwanted or uncontrolled
usage of the P2P file sharing has been the reason
for fierce opposition from the part of the
content owners. However, to consumers P2P
presents a new relatively easy-to-use channel
to search and find content without leaving
home, and many are neglecting the IPR laws
because of this convenience and availability of
media.
Co-operation between different authorities
and funding agencies: We need to make conscious
choices on where to put the emphasis,
and government officials should share the
common vision. New tools and funding structures
might be necessary, and the ICT SHOK
could be important for the future of media.
However, current plans include only a small
fragment that is concentrating on media, and
this will not be large enough. We should also
promote the capabilities and new media literacy
of Finnish citizens at large (LVM, OPM).
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