The European Commission (EC) has placed the UK in the top 10 most digitally advanced member states, but has highlighted the country’s slower than average uptake of online cultural services, including digital music use.
Europe's Digital Progress Report (EDPR), published earlier this week, analyses developments in five different aspects - connectivity, digital skills, use of internet, integration of digital technology by businesses and digital public services – and ranks countries accordingly.
The UK ranks sixth out of 28 members states, its position bolstered by the fact that 87 percent of British citizens use the internet for shopping and 71 percent for social networking.
However, the report found that use of music, video and games online is below the European Union average and the UK ranks 26th for this indicator.
Overall, through a series of county reports, EC analysis shows that member states are at very different stages in the development of their digital economy.
Nordic nations are leading the pack in terms of digital infrastructure and connectivity, internet adoption by business and citizens, digital public services and research and development.
The EC said in a statement: ‘The aim of this report is to achieve a real digital union by monitoring the implementation of digital reforms in Member States grasp the opportunities available to citizens and businesses of the Digital Single Market.’
It went on to say that the main achievements in EU's digital performance in the past year include faster and more mobile internet, a wider range of online services offered by public administrations and more consumers buying online.
To access the report, please visit https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/news/commission-releases-2016-european-digital-progress-report-unequal-progress-towards-digital.
Europe's Digital Progress Report (EDPR), published earlier this week, analyses developments in five different aspects - connectivity, digital skills, use of internet, integration of digital technology by businesses and digital public services – and ranks countries accordingly.
The UK ranks sixth out of 28 members states, its position bolstered by the fact that 87 percent of British citizens use the internet for shopping and 71 percent for social networking.
However, the report found that use of music, video and games online is below the European Union average and the UK ranks 26th for this indicator.
Overall, through a series of county reports, EC analysis shows that member states are at very different stages in the development of their digital economy.
Nordic nations are leading the pack in terms of digital infrastructure and connectivity, internet adoption by business and citizens, digital public services and research and development.
The EC said in a statement: ‘The aim of this report is to achieve a real digital union by monitoring the implementation of digital reforms in Member States grasp the opportunities available to citizens and businesses of the Digital Single Market.’
It went on to say that the main achievements in EU's digital performance in the past year include faster and more mobile internet, a wider range of online services offered by public administrations and more consumers buying online.
To access the report, please visit https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/news/commission-releases-2016-european-digital-progress-report-unequal-progress-towards-digital.
