5 Development Principles of Operation 5.1 The Internet as a Strategic Development Opportunity of the Digital Society 5.1.1 Focus on the internet in Drafting Development Measures The internet is an omnipresent communication network of information sources that fundamentally changes the way in which our modern society functions by providing an easy access to a wide range of topics and services. In a globalised world, it is an extremely effective means of communication for the free flow of information, which has markedly changed the channels the modern world uses to communicate, so internet access and the use of its services are generally understood as a human right in the 21st century. As the basic element of the digital or information society the internet is continuously developing and offers immense development opportunities in broader social frameworks. It increasingly shapes individuals’ opportunities in all fields of private and public life; from education, employment, access to information, contemporary financial and public services, and freedom of expression, to participation and relationships in public and private life. It has the same far-reaching impacts in the private sector, public sector and civil society. In terms of directing development, the internet is a strategic tool for increasing productivity, to create innovative business models, products and services, to improve communication as well as the overall efficiency of the society. Cloud computing is turning the internet into a comprehensive service system that blends new technologies of the future internet (the internet of things), cloud computing services and internet e-services. The internet of things is an increasingly efficient uniform environment, offering extraordinary development opportunities and an extensive range of services that are useful, functional, reliable, safe and flexible. In steering development activities we must take into account the fact that economic and general development in contemporary digital society is closely connected with the development and use of the internet and digital literacy. The internet offers exceptional opportunities for tackling economic, social and environmental challenges, so it is a key factor for future economic and social development; thus its deployment strongly in the public’s interest. The internet is of vital importance for development, so Slovenia made its development and use a strategic focus and a national priority in the development of digital economy and digital society. Slovenia will use development measures to seize the potentials of the internet for promoting innovation, openness and access to knowledge, creation of employment opportunities, improvement of productivity and competitiveness of all sectors of the economy and improvement of quality and efficiency of public services. By reducing the impact of economic and social activities on the environment, it will support sustainably-oriented economic growth. Slovenia will promote discussions about the internet in cooperation with the Slovenian internet Forum, whose operation it will actively support. Slovenia aims to rank among the leading digital societies, so it will harmonise the activities of all development stakeholders to optimise the use of the internet for the economic (digital) growth, education, social development and reduction of environmental impact. 14 DIGITAL SLOVENIA 2020 - Development strategy for the information society until 2020