PARIS, May 30 (Xinhua) -- France has launched its search for a working formula to transform itself into a digital-driven economy by bringing together its best brains to study a plan that the government is set to implement within the next few months, the French media reported on Friday.

    "Our objective is clear, simple and identified. We want to go digital. We want to multiply connections, build networks, develop content and diversify uses," France's Secretary of State for Development of the Digital Economy Eric Besson told the opening session of a high-level meeting Thursday.

    With the plan for the development of a digital economy by 2012,which must be submitted to President Nicolas Sarkozy and Prime Minister Francois Fillon before July 31 this year, "we want to turn France into a digital power, on an equal footing with the most dynamic economies of our planet," said Besson.

    Twenty-seven areas where work is needed will be discussed throughout the month of June, said the official, adding that these proposals "are now subject to consultations, amendments, improvement and enrichment with new ideas."

    On the top of the agenda at the meeting are some of the objectives of the government on internet access, which include the connection of 100 percent of French people to fixed and mobile broadband Internet before 2012, against 44 percent at the end of 2007.

    While inaugurating the meeting officially, noting that 5 percent of the population spread over 20 percent of the territory had no access to broadband Internet, Besson said: "This is the first digital divide that we should work to reduce."

    In addition, the secretary of state underscored the need to increase the number of households equipped with computers across the country, adding that the government had fixed itself a target of 70 percent by 2010.

    "A portal offering all the French people equipment and training that best suits their needs should be developed," according to the junior minister.

    "Another challenge that must be overcome is digital television," said the secretary of state, adding that the government was "very committed to respect the 2011 deadline for switching from analogue to digital terrestrial television."

    In terms of digital content, Besson said there was "need to ensure that this was better reflected in public policies that were aimed at spurring creativity in the country."

    "In terms of e-commerce, measures should be put in place to encourage resellers, such as on eBay, to start their own businesses," said the official.