Understanding eInclusion gaps across European regions: A benchmarking analysis

Abstract

This paper analyses digital divide in an Italian region (Piedmont) exploring factors that determine Internet usage by citizens. The research is conducted by using data collected over time by the Piedmont ICT Observatory (PICTO) through a survey on a sample of 2,000 citizens and then comparing them with Eurostat data. Focusing on Piedmont data, multivariate analysis shows that age and education level are the two most important variables that influence Internet usage. Moreover comparing Piedmont with similar European regions, this research has found out that the value reached by Piedmont is not enough high and that this is due to the ageing of Piedmont population and to its lower educational level, confirming the findings of the first part of the study. Thus, the analysis of e-inclusion policies implemented in such regions aimed to bridge this gap and addressed to the part of the population that has been identified as excluded, would help the policy maker to better understand which actions could be undertaken to increase the number of Internet users in the region.