In Austria, about a third of the population does not have basic digital skills. In 2021, 63 percent of 16 to 74 year olds had skills in computer, internet and software use, data protection and social media.
As expected, this percentage decreases with increasing age and lower education level, and in less urbanized regions.
The differences in age structure are clear: while 79 percent of 16 to 24 year olds have basic digital knowledge, this is only 53 percent of 55 to 64 year olds and only 35 percent of 65 to 74 year olds.
Differences also in the level of education
There are also large differences in the level of education: 86 percent of university graduates and 81 percent of high school students have basic digital knowledge – for those who have only completed compulsory education as the highest qualification, this share is only 40 percent.
Small differences between men and women
However, there are only small differences between employed (71 percent) and unemployed (65 percent), while so-called ‘non-working’ people such as retirees or housewives lag significantly behind at 39 percent. The gap between men (66 percent) and women (61 percent) is also quite small. The differences between city residents (71 percent) and residents of rural areas (59 percent) are greater.
Austrians must become suitable for digitalization
Digitalization State Secretary Florian Tursky (ÖVP) wants to make all Austrians digitalization ready by 2030 and is planning a digital reference framework in eight phases. The EU has set itself the target of 80 percent of the population having basic digital skills by 2030.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
