14 I I . T H E D I G I TA L E CO N O M Y A N D D I G I TA L W O R K P L A C E zzsupporting smart home applications; zzfacilitating ICT-based support for (electro-)mobility; zzfostering entrepreneurship in Germany by continuing to develop the range of information and advisory services available to people starting new businesses, with a particular focus on IT start-ups; zzsupporting the digital transformation in the media and creative industries, opening up sizeable opportunities for new customer groups; zzimproving the financing conditions for start-ups by creating an internationally competitive environment for venture capital and crowdfunding; zzpromoting sustainability and climate protection (environmental awareness in IT and in the use of IT); zzhelping to “match” established businesses with start-ups; zzsupporting the digitisation of construction; zzsupporting female entrepreneurs with specific measures; zzfurther developing legal specifications for the zzlinking German start-ups with other international integration of telemedicine; zzexpanding the eHealth initiative, enhancing links with the innovations delivered by health care businesses and ensuring the interoperability and security of IT systems. We are drafting an “Intelligent Connections” strategy to create additional opportunities for growth and efficiency through ICT in the education, energy, health, transport and administration primary industries. Digitisation and interconnectivity in these areas help to boost the productivity of the basic systems used in our community. At the same time, more efficient and ICT-supported use of existing infrastructure reduces the financial burden on private and public purses. The possible benefits of ICT in these sectors have not yet been fully leveraged. A cross-sectoral strategic approach can harness growth potential for the national economy and provide stimulus for social progress. 2. Supporting the young digital economy By bringing together established businesses and young, innovative enterprises under a future-oriented innovation and growth policy, Germany now has the opportunity to join the ranks of the leading global digital economies and increase the number of annual business start-ups from approximately 10,000 to 15,000 on an ongoing basis. We are stepping up our involvement with the advisory board “Young Digital Economy” and supporting young innovative businesses and start-ups by: start-up hubs. 3. Developing a sustainable regulatory framework for the digital economy The Federal Government wishes to protect the regulatory framework of the market economy in the digital age. We wish to preserve the free and open Internet in its current form and safeguard its role as a space for diversity of opinion, participation and innovation. Our approach to developing and supporting technical and social innovation on the one hand and social and regulatory frameworks on the other will be fully integrated. We are strengthening innovation and competition by continuing to develop a sustainable regulatory framework. This framework is intended to allow scope for the development of new and innovative services that can cater for new business segments. However, this must not occur at the expense of the freedom, openness or continued quality improvement of the best-effort Internet. We will provide a legal framework enshrining the aim of network neutrality and also advocate this principle at European level. The regulatory and competition authorities will continue to monitor market activities and put a stop to unauthorised developments. To foster objective debate, we will continue to promote the “Expert Dialogue Forum on Network Neutrality“ (Fachdialog Netzneutralität) and proactively engage all stakeholders – from the spheres of industry, science, civil society and politics.