The European Commission published its second report on the State of the Digital Decade, a comprehensive analysis revealing that the joint efforts of member states are insufficient to meet the ambitious goals set for 2030 under the Digital Decade Policy Program (DDPP). This report, which for the first time includes a detailed analysis of national strategic roadmaps, highlights significant deficiencies in key areas such as digital skills, high-quality connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI), and startup ecosystems.
A worrying landscape: far from the 2030 goals
The report makes it clear that Europe is far from meeting the targets established for digital transformation. In 2023, only 64% of European households had fiber optic networks, a crucial element for achieving gigabit connectivity and enabling technologies such as AI and the Internet of Things (IoT). Additionally, high-quality 5G networks barely covered 50% of the EU territory, far below the 100% target set for 2030.
In the business sector, the adoption of digital technologies by companies is also lagging. Only 64% utilize cloud services, 50% analyze big data, and a mere 17% have adopted AI, numbers that fall short of the 75% target established in the DDPP. This deficit is particularly concerning for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which need specific incentives to integrate these tools into their operations and remain competitive in an innovation-driven global market.
The digital divide: a persistent challenge
One of the most prominent issues is the unequal distribution of technology between urban and rural areas. While major cities have advanced in adopting digital infrastructure, less developed areas of Europe continue to lag behind. To bridge this gap, the European Commission has promoted initiatives such as Cross-Border Projects, European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH), and European Digital Infrastructure Consortia (EDIC). Despite some advancements, like the establishment of three EDICs by the end of May 2024, progress remains insufficient.
Digital skills: a critical challenge
The report also warns about the lack of digital skills among European citizens. Currently, only 55.6% of the EU population has basic digital competencies, well below the 80% target for 2030. Moreover, it is anticipated that the number of specialists in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) will reach only 12 million by 2030, with a marked gender inequality. To reverse this trend, member states must promote education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines, especially among women.
Digital public services: progress, but insufficient
Regarding the digitization of public services, the report highlights that 93% of EU citizens already have access to electronic identification (eID), and the implementation of the European Digital Identity Wallet promises to further boost its adoption. However, achieving 100% digital public services by 2030 remains a significant challenge, particularly in some member states where progress is uneven.
Recommendations to accelerate digital transformation
The European Commission urges member states to review their national roadmaps before December 2024 to align them with the goals of the DDPP. According to Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President for a Europe Fit for the Digital Age, “we need additional investments in digital skills, high-quality connectivity, and key technologies like AI.” Meanwhile, Thierry Breton, Commissioner for the Internal Market, emphasized that “cross-border cooperation and the integration of the digital single market are essential to achieving these goals.”
A competitive and resilient Europe?
The report underscores that the success of Europe’s digital transformation depends on an integrated strategy that combines investment, innovation, and collaboration. However, the gaps identified in skills, connectivity, and technology adoption pose serious challenges for the bloc. If Europe wants to compete in the global race for technological innovation, it must overcome not only technical and economic limitations but also bureaucratic barriers and the lack of cohesion among its member states.
The next edition of the report, scheduled for 2025, will be a litmus test to assess whether the measures recommended by the Commission succeed in closing the current gaps and bringing Europe closer to the ambitious goals of the Digital Decade. Will the current momentum be enough, or will structural deficiencies continue to hinder the continent’s progress toward true digital transformation?
via: European Commission