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Hello to all you innovators!
And congratulations for seizing Europe's app opportunity.
The European app economy is huge, and growing fast.
In five years' time it could be worth 63 billion euros --
that's over 100 euros for every European man woman and child, each year.
And employing almost 5 million people.
Plus, this is an international market where Europe holds its own.
Apps that come from Europe account for 43% of global revenue.
From gaming giants like Rovio, Supercell and King --
to communication tools like Swiftkey and Viber --
all started in Europe, and many stayed here too.
At the heart of this app economy is an exciting new way of working.
With online tools, there's no limit to your creativity,
no need to ask permission to innovate.
It's a new way of taking control --
not just noticing or complaining about a problem:
but finding a way to fix it.
And it's a new way of working together --
where people share, compare and join,
rather than just protecting or competing.
And this is not just affecting one sector.
It's changing, not just ICT,
but every area of our economy, society, world.
We've already seen the huge changes online platforms bring
to entertainment, socialising, games, music or the media.
But it's going further.
Take healthcare. By the end of this year, 231 million people worldwide will have downloaded
health apps.
From simple tools to help you stick to that exercise regime.
To apps that help hospitals monitor and manage blood sugar for diabetics,
and keep the disease under better control.
(That last one's funded by the EU, by the way.)
So really this has the potential to disrupt every sector --
meaning better healthcare,
but also better transport, better education, better energy.
In short: better lives for every European.
Choosing to be an innovator or entrepreneur isn't easy.
You have to be tenacious.
You have to combine a range of skills -- both technical and business.
You have to find the right finance, the right people, the right opportunities.
You have to take risks.
You have to learn how to fail -- and not see that as a bad thing, but move on and try again.
You are taking part because you realise the opportunity, energy and reward on offer.
And I am fighting hard to ensure you have the framework you need.
Many Europeans want to see a better environment for innovation and growth over here.
If you agree with them, sign the manifesto at http://startupmanifesto.eu --
and join the six thousand-plus people who already have.
I am prepared to play my part.
Like by ending the blocking and throttling of apps and services by network operators
--
something that today frustrates one in four Europeans.
With the fast broadband networks that mean people can get online, wherever they are.
With an end to the high roaming charges that stop people using their mobile across the
continent.
And better human capital too.
The world is going digital -- yet sometimes people with digital skills are harder to reach
than Level 37 of Angry Birds! With open education, industry support, and
more initiatives like http://codeweek.eu,
we can ensure more Europeans have the skills for tomorrow's job market.
And we're looking into other initiatives too --
like, perhaps, a real EU marketplace
where companies needing app development could identify, negotiate and hire.
Plus, as part of our commitment to European research and innovation,
we are putting 15 million euros on the table to support web entrepreneurs and startups.
And hundreds of thousands in prizes for the apps that support and create tomorrow's future
internet.
Europe badly needs innovation.
So take part, join in, and get the app bug today!