G-7 Nations Hop on Info Superhighway : Technology: They pledged to work together. But the U.S. delegation urged speed, while Europeans sought caution.

The world’s seven richest nations pledged Sunday to work together for a technological revolution, despite transatlantic differences over speed limits on the information superhighway.

“G-7 partners are committed to playing a leading role in the development of the Global Information Society,” the Group of Seven nations said in a statement adopted at the end of their three-day conference on new technologies.

“Our action must contribute to the integration of all countries into a global effort.”

But while the U.S. delegation urged a high-speed push toward a new information age, European officials urged caution. They said application of new technologies--in global computer networks and telecommunications systems, for example--could put jobs and national traditions at risk.

“The potential of the future information society is clear, but we must not be starry-eyed about it,” said Padraig Flynn, the European Union’s top social affairs official. “In its early phase, it will almost certainly bring job losses.”

Industry leaders, invited for the first time to deliver their message to the governments of the G-7, disagreed. They insisted that the new technologies would create new products and boost employment, and called on governments to open markets, lift regulations and clear the way for a global information exchange.

The United States appeared ready to heed their advice. Vice President Al Gore said Saturday that limits on foreign investment in American telecommunications would be lifted this year for countries that drop their own restrictions.

All seven nations--the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan--approved a package of 11 pilot projects for international cooperation in information technologies.

They include plans to develop long-distance health care, allowing doctors to examine patients hundreds of miles away; create a global network of electronic libraries, and establish a maritime information system to improve safety at sea.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Ron Brown said the projects would lead to rapid practical application of the new technologies and boost markets.

“When people see what the potential is, you will create demand,” he told a news conference after the meeting.

The ballooning global information market was worth an estimated $1.13 trillion last year.

According to figures released by the EU last week, the United States had 35% of the world information and communications market, the EU 27% and Japan 16%.

Some European nations fear the U.S. head start in developing new technologies could lead to the domination by American culture and the English language within global communications networks.

“The Information Society must promote and guarantee diversity,” France’s Rossi said.