Vulnerable groups risk being left behind as Europe strides forward on digitalisation

Eurofound's new report, 'Narrowing the digital divide: Economic and social convergence in Europe’s digital transformation', warns that while Europe is making significant digital strides, vulnerable groups risk being left behind if inequalities in terms of resources and access are not addressed. This new analysis highlights digitalisation's role in the EU's economic convergence and its benefits for the private sector, offering key insights for an inclusive digital Europe.

The report finds that access remains a major hurdle for vulnerable groups, including low-income households, older individuals, and those with lower education levels.

Crucially, these groups often rely more on public services and may struggle with e-government. This digital divide has significant economic implications, potentially leading to low productivity and diminished competitiveness for digitally excluded citizens and businesses.

Socially, it risks eroding cohesion by limiting access to essential services. Despite considerable progress and convergence among Member States over two decades, notable regional and socio-economic inequalities persist.

While larger firms and urban areas show higher digitalisation, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and businesses outside urban centres often lag. The report also highlights that successful digitalisation strongly correlates with income convergence, reinforcing its critical role in enhancing European living and working conditions.

Given these findings, Eurofound stresses the paramount importance of a "doing no harm" commitment in the digital transition. This means ensuring no citizen is excluded from essential goods or services as Europe progresses.

The EU's 2030 Digital Decade targets, aiming to boost basic digital skills and uptake, are vital. The report's findings provide crucial evidence for ongoing policy development, including understanding the impact of relevant regulatory frameworks.

Policymakers must adopt targeted, micro-level initiatives to identify and address digital exclusion, customising local training and involving communities. Digital upskilling programmes must be comprehensive, fostering critical thinking and equipping all socio-demographic groups to navigate advanced technologies.

Eurofound's research urges prioritising support for smaller firms and those outside major urban centres to embrace digital technologies, ensuring that vulnerable groups are not left behind as Europe strides forward into the digital age.

Download the report:

• Narrowing the digital divide: Economic and social convergence in Europe’s digital transformation'