Digital Innovation Showcase Europe (DISE)
JOURNAL.IE PARTICIPATED IN IAB EUROPE POLICY EVENT AT EU PARLIAMENT
The Digital Single Market is one of the top 2015 priorities for the new European Commission, as a consequence the EU institutions are currently engaged with decision making on a number of pieces of draft legislation which will have a critical impact on the digital industry (e.g. data protection and copyright). Given the complexity of policy framing within the fast moving digital space it is essential that MEPS and other EU officials have a good understanding of the digital business models at play. Awareness of the innovation and growth potential of digital SMEs and an understanding of their business models has historically not been high among EU officials.
IAB Europe created Digital Innovation Showcase Europe (DISE) with the support of national IABs such as IAB Ireland to provide European SME digital businesses with an opportunity to have a strong voice in Brussels. On December 3rd at the launch of DISE in the Euroepan Parliament, 6 companies explained their business models to EU policy makers and provided them with feedback on what business requires in order to continue innovating and providing high-value jobs.
Journal.ie was one of the 6 digital SMEs chosen from across the EU to share their particular business model to the EU officials.
Brian Fallon, CEO, TheJournal.ie highlighted the importance of data for the development of The Journal. “The reason we could get as far as we have gotten is data. A framework that allows continued innovation in the use of data is imperative for the group’s future development” he explained. Adrian Acosta, COO, The Journal and Suzanne McElligott, CEO, IAB Ireland accompanied Brian on the IAB policy outreach in Brussels.
Commenting on DISE, Suzanne said “DISE has been a really positive initiative facilitating a genuine engagement with policy makers at EU level. We were also delighted to hold separate face to face meetings in the European Parliament with Irelands’ MEPS including Sean Kelly, Brian Hayes and Deirdre Clune of Fine Gael, Matt Carthy and Liadh Ni Riada of Sinn Fein and Independent MEP, Marian Harkin”. “IAB Ireland’s commitment to policy remains a core principle for 2015 as we work to ensure the optimum policy environment for the Irish digital industry” .
For further information on DISE see www.digitalinnovationeurope.eu