Germany is only mediocre when it comes to digitisation, according to a recent study by the European Commission. Ranking 12th out of 28 EU countries, it lags behind its Nordic neighbours, particularly Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, who top the list. The study, which assesses the digital performance of EU countries, evaluates factors such as connectivity, human capital, use of internet services, integration of digital technology, and digital public services.
While Germany performs well in digital public services and connectivity, it falls short in the integration of digital technology by businesses. Only 1.7% of German companies use cloud services, compared to the EU average of 26.2%. In terms of internet use, 86% of Germans use the internet regularly, but only 57% engage in online banking and just 53% shop online.
The study also reveals a significant digital divide between urban and rural areas. Only 40% of rural households have access to fast internet, compared to 88% in urban areas. This digital divide is further exacerbated by a lack of digital skills among the older population.
In order to improve its digital performance, Germany needs to invest more in digital infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, and promote digital literacy among its citizens.
Go to source article: https://netzoekonom.de/2017/07/24/deutschland-ist-nur-mittelmass-der-digitalisierung/