Member states falling short of Digital Decade goals, shows latest European Commission report

2 months ago 8

The EU is falling short of meeting its 2030 digital targets, particularly in connectivity and digital skills, states the European Commission’s latest report on the State of the Digital Decade, released Tuesday (2 July).

The Digital Decade policy programme looks to improve Europe’s “human-centric” digitalisation by 2030, setting “measurable goals” on connectivity, uptake of technology, and upskilling of the labour force.

Published annually, the report assesses the progress of member states in achieving these measurable targets. In response to the report’s findings, member states are required to revise their national roadmaps by 2 December to align with the objectives of the policy programme.

Based on 2023 data, only 64% of households have access to fibre optic networks crucial to gigabit connectivity, short of the full coverage the programme aims for by 2030.

In 2023, the adoption of AI, cloud, and big data by European companies was well below the Digital Decade target of 75%. If current trends continue, by 2030 only 64% of businesses will use cloud, 50% will use big data, and only 17% will use AI, warned the Commission.

Only 55.6% of the EU population possesses basic digital skills, falling short of the 80% target of those aged 16-74.

“There is no way we can succeed in our transformation without ensuring people have the necessary skills,” emphasised a Commission official during a Tuesday press briefing.

EU Digital Decade report shows gaps in digitalisation plans

The first report on the state of the Digital Decade was published on Wednesday (27 September), with key findings laying bare gaps in 5G network coverage and questions about the use of artificial intelligence by businesses.

The EU’s objectives for 2030 …

By 2030, the EU is projected to have 12 million ICT specialists, with a persistent gender imbalance between women and men. The Digital Decade target is 20 million employed specialists.

There is good news, however, at 93% of the EU population, the availability of electronic identification is close to the 100% target.

The report stresses the importance of incentivising the adoption of innovative digital tools by SMEs, particularly cloud and AI, and mobilising further private investments in high-growth startups.

Another challenge is the limited spread of digital technologies beyond large cities. To tackle this issue, fostering cooperation between European actors at cross-border and local levels is fundamental, said today’s report.

The Commission urged member states to adopt comprehensive strategies to enhance digital skills across all educational levels and promote STEM fields, especially among women.

Needing a “comprehensive approach” to enhance digital skills at all education levels and encourage interest in STEM fields, especially among women, said the Commission.