Implementing an information society in central and eastern Europe: the case of Hungary

Abstract:

The study focuses on the information society policy of the European Union and its impact on the development in central and Eastern Europe, particularly in Hungary. Hungary's national action plan for information society development is in line with the EU strategy, but its financial base is the Hungarian national development plan. Invitations for tenders, mainly for improvements on information and communication technologies infrastructure in different areas, started in 2001 and are due to distribute 40 billion forint (ca. € 170 million) in two years. The country is performing well in macroeconomic terms and continues to attract foreign investors. Structural problems, regional disparities and disadvantaged groups like the Roma remain important issues.