Project News: Multiple MODIBEC workshops make the most of cooperation

Date: 03 September 2007

Events in China 20-29 August discuss RTD priorities.

A series of MODIBEC project workshops in China 20-29 August 2007 has built momentum in furthering the project’s objectives of promoting and supporting RTD cooperation between the EU and China in the field of digital broadcasting technologies, especially on the convergence with mobile communications. Coordinated by ERTICO – ITS Europe and supported by the European Commission, MODIBEC held the workshops to encourage European and local stakeholders in this area to discuss RTD priorities as well as identify areas and themes suitable for international cooperation.

Beijing
The events got underway in Beijing on 20 August 2007, with a workshop that featured plenary presentations and discussions. ERTICO – ITS Europe Director of Development and Deployment Michael Nielsen presented an introduction of MODIBEC before the plenary sessions got underway. These focused on the convergence area of digital broadcasting and mobile communications and an introduction of existing technologies. A special discussion session highlighted preparation efforts for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

The second day of the workshop touched on the general business aspects of mobile TV, such as the introduction of the existing European business model to China and potential options for the future. Participants also gained knowledge from four EU-funded project coordinators - representing the MODIBEC, MOBISERVE, MING-T and ROADiBROM projects – who discussed mutual cooperation for events concurrent with the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. The exchange of experience and expertise was beneficial to all involved.

Guangzhou
MODIBEC then travelled south to Guangzhou for a 27 August seminar and discussion. Discussions there centred on research developments of digital broadcasting and its convergence with mobile communications, R&D on chips and receivers for mobile broadcasting, as well as problems and needs for cooperation with China. Speakers represented both European and Chinese interests.      

Shanghai
Last but not least, the final MODIBEC workshop took place in Shanghai on 29 August. Alison Birkett, First Counselor, Information Society and Media Section of the EC Delegation in China gave a welcome speech, and congratulated MODIBEC on its efforts and organisation. This successful workshop focused on applications of mobile broadcasting and on the latest research results. Participants were also briefed on MODIBEC’s upcoming demonstrations.

Presentations and other information from the workshops will be available on the MODIBEC website from 18 September 2007.

For more information, please visit www.modibec.org or contact MODIBEC Project Coordinator Julia Wu