2023-09-27 12:23:08
A report from the European Commission points out Belgium’s shortcomings regarding digital technology. Objectives have been defined for 2030.
The observation made this Wednesday by the European Commission is clear: despite progress, Belgium is lagging behind in terms of digital transition. What is particularly problematic is the basic level of digital skills of the population and the low fiber optic coverage in residential areas.
Last year, the European Union adopted a strategy called the “Digital Decade”, which sets out goals for 2030 in terms of skills, infrastructure and digitalization of the public and private sectors.
The Commission, on the other hand, underlines Belgium’s leading role in Europe in the field of semiconductors.
First report
Its first report, on the progress of each country, shows that only 54% of the Belgian population has basic digital skillswhile the objective is set at 80%.
In terms of infrastructure, Belgium also remains “very behind” on the residential fiber optic coverage (17% versus 56%). For the 5G coverage, which must reach 100% by 2030, “Belgium has made notable progress”, going from 4% in 2021 to 30% in 2022 in populated areas. However, this figure remains significantly lower than the European average of 81%. “This is largely explained by the late finalization of the auction of the 5G spectrum”.
The from ICT specialists (information and communication technologies) in the Belgian workforce is 5.6% (EU average: 4.6%), despite a lower number of ICT graduates to the average (2.8% against 4.2%). The share of women among these specialists is slightly below the EU average (18.7%, compared to 18.9%).
Leadership role
The Commission, on the other hand, emphasizes Belgium’s leading role in Europe in the field of semiconductorsvia research carried out by the Flemish institute IMEC, or the country’s participation in QCI, the network of quantum keys to protect data flows.
The country is also participating in the creation of a European personal genomic data networkor on a European blockchain for cross-border public services.
Good business results
Where Belgium performs “particularly well” is in digitalization of businesses. There are more SMEs with at least a basic level of digital intensity (77% compared to 69% in the EU). The adoption of “cloud”, AI and big data is also better in Belgian companies than in the EU average.
As for the public sector, progress there is “relatively good”, with good results in public services to citizens and businessesin e-health records, or in digital identification systems.
Each Member State must present by October 9 its roadmap aimed at meeting these 2030 objectives.
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