Belgium can do better – Trends on PC
In these times which have become very digital, the barometer of the information society produced by the FPS Economy is a very interesting reading. Its tenth edition was released last week. Belgium fell from 8th to 12th place in the …
In these times which have become very digital, the barometer of the information society produced by the FPS Economy is a very interesting reading. Its tenth edition was released last week. Belgium fell from 8th to 12th place in the DESI index (Digital Economy and Society Index). It remains above the average of the 27 Member States but pays a certain number of shortcomings including the delay of 5G. Same place in the WiD (Women in Digital) ranking. This fundamental index of how Member States are bridging the digital divide between men and women. With 52.79 out of 100, Belgium is doing better than last year but remains below average. On the other hand, in terms of the digital divide, Belgium ranks among the good pupils of the European class with 5.9% of individuals between 16 and 74 years old having never used the internet (8.8 for the European average) . Unsurprisingly, online shopping exploded in 2020: 73% of Belgians used it (65% in Europe). Finally, e-government can also do better. Only 61% of our citizens have used the internet (eiD box, itsme, etc.) for their relations with public services. It is progressing but we remain in the European soft underbelly.