French digital affairs minister visits Edinburgh University to discuss Brexit

French minister for digital affairs, Axelle Lemaire - Image credit: University of Edinburgh

The French minister of state for digital affairs and innovation, Axelle Lemaire, will visit the University of Edinburgh tomorrow to discuss digital innovation and strengthening Franco-British links during and after Brexit.

She will give a presentation called ‘The digital economy needs an open environment’, which is open to staff, students and the public.

Lemaire, who has been minister of state for digital affairs in the French government since April 2014, drafted and promoted the country’s Digital Republic Bill, which aims to boost the data economy and transparent government.

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The bill establishes new rights for internet users and seeks to make digital technology more available to everyone.

It was the first French government bill to be submitted for public consultation on a website.

More than 150,000 votes were received and there were in excess of 20,000 participants, with contributions used to help make improvements to the bill’s wording.

The principal of the University of Edinburgh, Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea, said: “We welcome Mme Axelle Lemaire to the university and look forward to sharing ideas about how we can strengthen relationships before and after Brexit.

“Digital technologies will be key in maintaining and building these important bonds with colleagues and collaborators across Europe.

“As a community, we are determined that the university will continue as a European and international university and I know that we will be even more global and outward-looking in the future, not less.”