"UPGRADE: The European Journal for the Informatics Professional - Vol.X, Issue no.4, August 2009 - "20 Years of CEPIS: Informatics in Europe today and tomorrow"

Published on behalf of CEPIS by Novática (ATI, Spain)

Chief Editor: Llorenç Pagés-Casas, <pages AT ati DOT es>
Deputy Chief Editor: Francisco-Javier Cantais-Sánchez, <fjcantais AT gmail DOT com>

Associate Editors

Rafael Fernández Calvo, <rfcalvo AT ati DOT es>
Fiona Fanning, <fanning AT cepis DOT org>

Abstract: This article addresses professionalism in Information Technologies (IT), the need for a more formal profession and a clearly expressed professionalism in the practice of IT. The author outlines the work of the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies (CEPIS) in this domain and encourages IT professionals throughout Europe to become a part of the process to best serve the needs of the public, industry and practitioners, now and for future generations.

Abstract: The financial crisis that started in the summer of 2007 and the subsequent economic downturn have left few business sectors unscathed. Along with other sectors, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has felt the impact. However, crisis can sometimes be an opportunity for growth, a time when (out of necessity) new business models and innovations arise. This article briefly reviews how the crisis has affected the European ICT industry, discusses how the industry will overcome the challenges it is currently facing and finally demonstrates how ICT enables other sectors face their own woes.

Abstract: Legal and Security Issues of Information and Communication Technologies, and their applications, are of increasing importance for the Information Society. As these issues become more and more complex they require independent insights from informatics professionals. Consequently the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies (CEPIS) has a major responsibility in this field. The Legal and Security Taskforce (CEPIS LSI) undertook this responsibility and brings together experts from CEPIS member societies with the mission of collecting, synchronizing, and providing independent professional expertise from CEPIS experts to relevant and interested European parties. This article outlines the work of CEPIS LSI.

Abstract: This article introduces the D/A/CH area (Germany/Austria/Switzerland) and provides an overview of informatics in these countries with particular emphasis on recent successful programmes geared towards raising awareness of the importance of informatics for society in general and the economy and education in particular.

Abstract: "For Information Technologies (IT) to truly at last flower into a real profession on the same lines as the Law, Medicine or Accountancy, we need to start listening to what business wants from us in terms of 'marketing' our competencies; and it’s about time we were held to the same levels of trust as the man who builds our new house or to whom we entrust our physical well-being". This interview presents this and other views of the man charged with leading the British Computer Society’s (BCS) drive for greater internationalisation of its products, services and messages.

The State of Informatics in Portugal [PDF: 5 pages, 110 KB]
José Cardoso de Matos
Abstract: This article is based on a paper published in APDSI (the Portuguese Society for the Development of the Information Society) which aimed to launch a discussion on digital discrimination and the digital divide in Portugal. The author examines the current situation and the underlying social and economic issues that lead to digital exclusion, and provides some options to overcome these issues in the future.

Spain: The Situation of Informatics in 2009 [PDF: 3 pages, 71 KB]
Fernando Piera-Gómez
Abstract: This article describes informatics and information technologies in Spain during the current economic crisis. The author provides data about the economic significance of informatics in Spain, the human resources involved, and the implications for education as well as the current situation of digital contents.

Current State of Informatics in Central, Eastern and Southern Europe: The IT STAR Experience [PDF: 9 pages, 237 KB]
Plamen Nedkov (with contributions from Balint Domolki, Giulio Occhini, and Niko Schlamberger)
Abstract: This article on the current state of informatics in Central, Eastern and Southern Europe is based on the activities and experience of leading computer societies, representatives of academia, government, industry and civil society, as witnessed within the format of IT STAR, the Regional Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Association in Central, Eastern and Southern Europe (CESE). While the article is only a "panorama shot" of the actual state of informatics in the region it provides many references to related proceedings and other sources of information for the interested reader.

UPGRADE: The Unofficial Story of a Successful CEPIS Undertaking [PDF: 6 pages, 442 KB]
Rafael Fernández Calvo
Abstract: This article describes the story of UPGRADE, "The European Journal for the Informatics Professional", a digital publication promoted by the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies (CEPIS) and published by Novática, journal of the Spanish CEPIS society ATI (Asociación de Técnicos de Informática). The author offers his personal, unofficial view of the people and facts involved in its creation, growth, and consolidation.

1991: Making the Knowledge Work [PDF: 2 pages, 110 KB]
Francisco López-Crespo
Abstract: Council of European Professional Informatics Societies (CEPIS) Chairman Francisco López-Crespo (1991) describes the infancy of CEPIS, its legal registration, the formation of an Executive Committee, and the formulation of "The Way Ahead".

1992-1993: No Task Will Be Avoided merely because it is Impossible! [PDF: 2 pages, 59 KB]
Maurice S. Elzas
Abstract: Past President of the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies (CEPIS), Maurice S. Elzas (1992-1993) discusses the exciting Dynamite Delors1 Commission in which CEPIS participated in European Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) strategy, and gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the friendships and adventures at CEPIS Council meetings.

1993-1995: Finding the Way Forward [PDF: 2 pages, 57 KB]
Jaakko Kivinen
Abstract: Past President of the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies (CEPIS), Jaakko Kivinen (1993-1995) describes the various CEPIS activities with European stakeholders, his concerns for a young CEPIS, and explains how the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) was introduced.

1995-1997: ECDL Take-off Years [PDF: 2 pages, 56 KB]
Giulio Occhini
Abstract: Past President of the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies (CEPIS), Giulio Occhini (1995-1997) describes the continued development of the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) and relations with the European Commission (EC) during his term.

1997-1999: ECDL is Launched. Now what? [PDF: 2 pages, 57 KB]
Roger Johnson
Abstract: Past President of the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies (CEPIS), Roger Johnson (1997-1999) outlines the development of a sustainable model for the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL), the creation of CEPIS Secretariat and the emergence of the European Certification of Informatics Professionals (EUCIP).

1999-2001: Unity in Diversity [PDF: 2 pages, 65 KB]
Peter Morrogh
Abstract: Past President of the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies (CEPIS), Peter Morrogh (1999-2001) discusses the diversity of CEPIS members, their commonalities and their disparities and how this has been reflected in the strategic development of CEPIS.

2001-2003: Some Steps Forward in Europe [PDF: 2 pages, 60 KB]
Wolffried Stucky
Abstract: Past President of the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies (CEPIS), Wolffried Stucky (2001-2003) provides insight into CEPIS’s expanding sphere of activities with the European Commission and various other European groups such as the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN).

2004-2005: Moving to the Heart of the EU [PDF: 1 page, 53 KB]
Jouko Ruissalo
Abstract: Past President of the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies (CEPIS), Jouko Ruissalo (2003-2005) presents a time of change when CEPIS moved its Secretariat to Brussels (Belgium) and became increasingly involved in European Union (EU) projects such as Harmonise.

2005-2007: Building on our Collective Strengths [PDF: 1 page, 61 KB]
Geoffrey McMullen
Abstract: Past President of the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies (CEPIS), Geoff McMullen (2005-2007) reflects on the successes of CEPIS as well as the challenges that led to a stronger, older and wiser CEPIS.

CEPIS – Remaining Relevant for the Next 20 Years [PDF: 3 pages, 71 KB]
Vasile Baltac, President Elect CEPIS
Abstract: The rapid, unparalleled development of technologies has challenged IT professionals in a way that no other profession has encountered. The future of the ICT industry will continue to make no less challenging demand on our IT professionals. CEPIS, as their European representative body has to respond to these challenges, the author outlines what these challenges are likely to be and how CEPIS can put its experience to use in addressing them.

Robert McLaughlin, Bachelor in Science (BSc) Chartered Engineer (CEng) Fellow of the British Computer Society (FBCS) Fellow of the Irish Computer Society (FICS) graduated from Queen’s University (United Kingdom, UK) where he studied Applied Maths and Quantum Physics and completed a postgraduate diploma in computing. After working in the aircraft industry he joined the Computer Centre at Queen’s University, where he spent 20 years developing major operating systems and computer applications on a large range of computers, varying from large mainframe systems to small systems based on networked computers. He was an honorary lecturer in Computer Science and lectured on many aspects of the design and implementation of computer and communication systems. He is also joint author of a book on Microcomputers and in 1970 set up the first spin-off company from Queen’s. Having devoted 40 years to the British Computer Society, Robert has served terms as Vice President and President and is currently a Trustee. He is chairman and major shareholder in four small computer companies (Opt2Vote, WesternConnect, ALTA Systems and President Computers Ltd). He was involved in the design and management of a number of European Union (EU) and UK government awareness programmes in computing and telecommunications, the most notable of which were the EU STAR and Telematique projects, IT82 the UK awareness programme to encourage the uptake of IT and the UK Government’s premier technology transfer scheme (TCS) from 1986 to 2000. <robert AT pres DOT demon DOT co DOT uk>.

Fiona Fanning, Master of Arts (MA) Diplôme d’Etudes Universitaires Françaises (DEUF) International Bachelor of Arts (BA Int.) graduated from Dublin City University (Ireland) with a Masters in Translation Studies and a specialization in Law. She also holds a BA Int. in French and German and a DEUF from Université Lyon III. Ms. Fanning’s previous positions include owner and Director of Beyond Words Translation Services, Director for the American Red Cross and Project Manager for an international relief and development organisation overseeing operations in West Africa. She is a professional translator specialising in legal and IT-related matters. Ms. Fanning is currently Policy and Communication Executive for CEPIS. <fanning AT cepis DOT org>.

Nello Scarabottolo, born in Milan (Italy), graduated summa cum laude in Nuclear Engineering at the Politecnico di Milano. Full professor in Computer Engineering since 1994, he joined the Polo Didattico e di Ricerca di Crema of the Università degli Studi di Milano in 1998. His research activities include various aspects of computer architectures and information processing applications. In particular, he studied topics related to microprocessor systems (mainly system software for real time applications and hardware tools for performance monitoring), parallel and distributed systems (parallel and distributed architectures, programming techniques for loosely coupled systems), and dedicated architectures (innovative architectures, mainly based on in-field programmable devices, for high-performance, high-reliability applications). He is (co)author of more than 100 papers, has been involved in various European Commission projects, served as director of the Euromicro society, and Editor-in-chief of the "Journal of System Architecture", edited by North-Holland. Since November 2003, Professor Scarabottolo has been member of the Executive Committee of CEPIS, initially as Vice President, then as Honorary Secretary and presently as Honorary Treasurer. <nello.scarabottolo AT unimi DOT it>.

UPENET (UPGRADE European NETwork) [PDF: 10 pages, 137 KB]

From Pliroforiki (CCS, Cyprus)
ICT for Education
The Social and Cognitive Dimensions of Computer-Supported Cooperative Learning
Andriani Piki
This paper was first published, in English, by Pliroforiki (issue no. 18, September 2008, pp. 18-21). Pliroforiki, ("Informatics" in Greek), a founding member of UPENET, is a journal published, in Greek or English, by the Cyprus CEPIS society CCS (Cyprus Computer Society).

Abstract: Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) is a research area that studies how Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can support collaborative learning activities among students. The aim of this article is to synthesise the available literature and the recent trends in contemporary CSCL scholarship, whilst identifying the debates that make it such a fast-changing area. The social and cognitive dimensions are crucial for understanding how effective collaborative learning can promote self-motivation, critical thinking and development. In this context, both the strengths and challenges of CSCL systems are examined and suggestions for dealing with the latter are discussed.

From Novática (ATI, Spain)
Internet
The New WCAG 2.0 Accessibility Guidelines: Changes and Recommendations to Be Implemented
Mireia Ribera-Turró and Miquel Térmens-Graells
This paper will be published in Spanish, by Novática. Novática, a founding member of UPENET, is a bimonthly journal published, in Spanish, by the Spanish CEPIS society ATI (Asociación de Técnicos de Informática - Association of Computer Professionals)

Abstract: In several countries Web accessibility is a legal requirement for governmental websites and in major enterprises. The new accessibility guidelines published by the World Wide Web Consortium in December 2008, WCAG 2.0 are slightly biased towards validation, are more permissive with third-party (including prosumer) content, and explicitly include non-W3C technologies such as Flash or PDF. Different types of content such as browsing, multimedia content, text or forms should be reviewed in the light of the new success criteria and general techniques published in WCAG 2.0 guidelines. Usable accessibility means understanding the philosophy of the guidelines rather than its details, and should be based on a user-centred design. To help with the details, webmasters have a number of tools at their disposal, capable of making validations and reminding them of applicable guidelines.

CEPIS NEWS [PDF: 2 pages, 66 KB]

CEPIS Projects

Maximising the Impact of ICT Infrastructure Investment
ECDL Foundation
Abstract: Prompted by the EU proposal to fund broadband infrastructure for rural areas, this new position paper from the ECDL Foundation outlines why ICT investment should be complemented by investment in skills development. The paper argues that ICT investment has limited benefits without supporting actions to develop ‘skills infrastructure’. In addition, the paper provides recommendations for skills focused initiatives that will lower the barriers to accessing information and services.

Monograph: 20 Years of CEPIS: Informatics in Europe today and tomorrow

Presentation
Introducing CEPIS [PDF: 3 pages, 76 KB]
Robert McLaughlin, Fiona Fanning, and Nello Scarabottolo

After twenty years of existence, the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies (CEPIS) has much to be proud of. This monograph offers a mere sampling of the technical expertise of informatics professionals throughout Europe that comprise CEPIS’s 36 member informatics associations. With contributions from throughout greater Europe, this issue provides an overview of the diversity of informatics today from a range of geographical perspectives. The thematic articles address the "hot topics" of concern to the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) industry, and therefore to CEPIS, while the third section shows the evolution of the organisation through the eyes of Past Presidents over the past two decades. The final paper gives us a glimpse into our future: the next twenty years.

CEPIS is above all an organisation of informatics professionals. Its mission is to improve and promote high standards among Information Technologies (IT) professionals in recognition of the impact that informatics has on employment, business and society. The papers that follow are contributions by IT professionals and academics, for IT professionals and IT academics and the enormous range of roles that those two designations comprise.

Since its inception, CEPIS has been working on the issue of professionalism in IT. The article "A Profession for IT?" addresses the need for a more formal profession and a clearly expressed professionalism in the practice of IT. The author, Declan Brady, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of Fujitsu and CEPIS Vice President, outlines the work of CEPIS in this domain and encourages IT professionals throughout Europe to become a part of the process to best serve the needs of the public, industry and practitioners, now and for future generations.

The recent financial crisis has impacted all sectors, including ICT. In the article "The European ICT Industry: Overcoming the Crisis and Helping Others along the Way", Dr. Hara Klasina, Manager for Digital Economy Policy affairs at DIGITALEUROPE, reviews how the crisis has affected the European ICT industry, discusses how the industry will overcome the challenges it is currently facing and demonstrates how ICT enables other sectors to face their own woes.

The final thematic article addresses the increasing importance of legal and security issues in ICT for the Information Society. Authored by CEPIS LSI, a high-level expert group focused entirely on legal and security issues and led by Dr. Kai Rannenberg, Dr. Marko Hölbl, Eleni Kosta, Les Fraser, and Dr. Joop Verbeek, this article outlines their work in areas such as cryptography, e-commerce, online banking, social networks and data retention.

The geographical perspective of informatics in Europe begins with the Germanic regions in the D/A/CH area (Germany /Austria / Switzerland) and provides an overview of informatics in these countries with particular emphasis on recent successful programmes geared towards raising awareness of the importance of informatics for society in general and in particular for the economy and education.

The Anglo perspective is provided through an interview with Michiel van der Voort, Executive Director for International, from the British Computer Society, who discusses current and future developments of informatics in particular with regard to the professionalisation of the IT industry, and the need for common standards of IT competence to cope with the increasingly international aspects of every IT role.

José Cardoso de Matos, Master in Business Administration (MBA), Chair of PROFIN, Portugal and Fernando Piera-Gómez, Vice President of ATI (the Spanish Informatics Society) provide a perspective on the Iberian Peninsula. In two separate papers, they depict the current situations in Portugal and Spain respectively. Based on a paper published in APDSI (the Portuguese Society for the Development of the Information Society), which aimed to launch a discussion on digital discrimination and the digital divide in Portugal, José Cardoso de Matos examines the underlying social and economic issues that lead to digital exclusion, and provides options to overcome these issues in the future. Describing the situation of informatics and information technologies in Spain during the current economic crisis of 2009, Fernando Piera-Gómez portrays data about the economic significance of informatics in Spain, the human resources involved, the implications for education and the state of digital contents.

The article on the current state of informatics in Central, Eastern and Southern Europe is provided by Plamen Nedkov, Chief Executive of IT Star, with contributions from Balint Domolki, Giulio Occhini and Niko Schlamberger. It provides a panoramic view of the information society, education, ICT research, and economics in the region along with individual assessments of the various countries.

UPGRADE has long provided a valuable service to IT professionals throughout Europe. As CEPIS celebrates 20 years, it would be remiss not to look at the story of UPGRADE, a CEPIS publication that will soon celebrate 10 years of existence. Rafael Fernández-Calvo, former Chief Editor and co-founder of UPGRADE offers his view of the people and facts involved in its creation, growth and consolidation.

The final section of this issue provides a historical view of the development of CEPIS through the eyes of Past Presidents. CEPIS Chairman Francisco López-Crespo (1991) describes the infancy of CEPIS, its legal registration, formation of an Executive Committee and formulation of "The Way Ahead". Past President, Professor Maurice Elzas (1992-1993) provides insight into collaboration with the "Dynamite Delors" Commission when CEPIS participated in the European ICT strategy and gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the friendships and adventures at CEPIS Council meetings.

Past President Dr. Jaakko Kivinen (1993-1995) describes the various CEPIS activities with European stakeholders, his concerns for a young CEPIS and explains how the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) was introduced. Past President Giulio Occhini (1995-1997) describes the period of accelerated cooperation with the European Commission (EC) and the initial ECDL proposal. Past President, Dr. Roger Johnson (1997-1999) outlines the development of a sustainable model for ECDL, the creation of CEPIS Secretariat and the emergence of the European Certification of Informatics Professionals (EUCIP).

Past President Peter Morrogh (1999-2000) discusses the diversity of CEPIS members, their commonalities and their disparities and how this has been reflected in the strategic development of CEPIS. Past President Dr. Wolffried Stucky (2001-2003) provides insight into expanding CEPIS’s sphere of activities with the European Commission and various other European groups such as the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN).

Past President Jouko Ruissalo (2003-2005) presents a time of change when CEPIS moved its Secretariat to Brussels and became increasingly involved in EU projects such as Harmonise. Past President Dr. Geoff McMullen (2005-2007) reflects on the successes of CEPIS as well as the challenges that led to the stronger, older and wiser CEPIS that now exists.

The rapid, unparalleled development of technologies has challenged IT professionals in a way that no other profession has encountered. Dr. Vasile Baltac, CEPIS President, predicts that the future of the ICT industry will continue to make no less challenging demands on our IT professionals; he outlines what these challenges are likely to be and how CEPIS can put its experience to use in addressing them in years to come.

CEPIS Publications
In addition to UPGRADE and a regular newsletter, CEPIS is involved both directly and indirectly in the production of many informatics publications and research activities. The following provides short summary of some recent publications.

e-Skills Foresights
The report examines the key trends that will play a role in influencing the supply and demand of each of the three types of e-skills. A list of ninety "change drivers", covering social, technological, economic, environmental, political and values-related forces are examined. The impact of each driver on demand for ICT practitioner skills is analyzed, and the three main factors that are strong determinants of the supply and demand of IT professionalism are extracted, together with existing empirical data. These are used to create a model which forecasts shortfalls/surpluses of IT professionals, based on 6 potential scenarios occurring over the next 10 to 15 years. The three main factors considered in the creation of these scenarios and forecasts are:

The rate of ICT innovation (technological change).
The Economic growth (both within the European Union and beyond).
The degree of off-shoring undertaking within the industry.

For more information please go to the "Activities" section of CEPIS website.

A Review of Certification Schemes for ICT Professional Qualifications in Support of greater Harmonisation across Europe and beyond
HARMONISE reviews existing qualification and certification schemes in the context of learning provision that leads to certification, and clarifies the underlying profiles, terminology and curricula. The project’s aims involved clarifying existing arrangements to support greater transparency, and influencing the harmonisation of vocational learning and qualification schemes for ICT professionals at the European Union level.

The results of Harmonise are valorised by EUCIP3 , a pan-European qualification scheme for people entering the IT profession and for IT professionals wishing to continue their professional development. The qualification will enable existing IT professionals to document their competencies and skill sets for employers or prospective employers and in addition, increase their market value. For more information please go to the "Activities" section of CEPIS website.

Euro-Inf
CEPIS was a key partner in the now completed Euro-Inf project. Led by the Accreditation Agency for Study Programs in Engineering, Informatics, the Natural Sciences and Mathematics in Germany (ASIIN), and funded for an 18-month period by the European SOCRATES programme, this project investigated the different approaches to the accreditation of informatics (computing) higher education courses in European Member States, with a view to clarifying the common principles that could form the basis for a pan-European set of accreditation standards, and to agree a possible European framework for such accreditation.

Following the success of the project, the results of EURO-info can be seen in action through its successor: the European Quality Assurance Network for Informatics Education (EQANIE). EQANIE is a non-profit organisation founded in January 2009, whose mission is to promote the implementation of quality assessment practice for informatics educations systems in Europe. For more information please go to the "Activities" section of CEPIS website.

IT Practitioner Skills in Europe - Labour Market Survey Report
In spite of an extended period of discussion about the IT skills gaps in Europe many questions remain about the extent of the problem. This CEPIS report surveyed the state of IT practitioner skills within the EU and present an overview of the IT practitioner labour market.
For more information please go to the "Publications" section of CEPIS website.

CEPIS Membership
CEPIS membership is open to national computer societies from all countries belonging to the Council of Europe. International or pan-European associations are also welcome as affiliate members. For more information see <http://www.cepis.org>.

Last updated on October 31th, 2009

by the Editorial Team of Upgrade