A new European study has said Ireland is "exemplary" for the way it is using innovative taxation and education policies to profit from the emerging global network economy. The observation was made in a study just released by the European Commission under its INFO2000 Programme.

The CONDRINET study, carried out by Gemini Consulting on behalf of the Commission, examines all aspects of the digital media industry and offers recommendations for businesses, governments and content producers operating in a digital network environment.

The survey cites Ireland's low corporation tax rates and "excellent educational and worker training programs" as examples of how a state's policies can influence where manufacturers, investors and entrepreneurial enterprises choose to locate in a global economy. It largely attributes "the Irish economy's tremendous growth over the last five years" to these factors.

The CONDRINET report is available online at http:// www.echo.lu/condrinet