The path to a unified Europe has never been without its obstacles. The challenge which faces the architects of Europe's future is that of establishing systems able to manage the diversity of language and culture which is the EU, while at the same time respecting that diversity. In the fields dealing with high technology throughout Europe, this challenge takes on added significance. For global industries such as telecommunications, the opportunitites presented by Europ ean integration will undoubtedly bring technology closer to all citizens of the EU. Business and political leaders have a clear vision of the tremendous possibilities for technology in Europe, but real world issues such as development of standards, remova l of trade barriers, and industrial cooperation leave much work to be done in order to realize the potential gains.

This section is an introduction to the vast amount of information concerning the ongoing debates over the future of the High Technology industry in Europe.