Digital technology is changing the way we live and work. Pandemics and quarantines have shown how dependent we are on it, from remote work to online medical consultations to video calls with family and friends.
But the pandemic also revealed the gap between those who own digital ‘ and those who don't own ’. the Europeans %More than 40’ don't have basic digital skills, and nearly a quarter of homes don't have broadband.
SME’s (small and medium-sized enterprises) wer than 20’ use internet cloud services or use the internet to sell their products or services.
How EU rescue funds are helping Europe’'s digital transformation
The transition to the digital world is an important element of AB’'s plan to survive the pandemic. At the heart of the plan is the €672.5 billion Recovery and Resilience Facility, which will be spent on public investments and reforms.
Member States to access the money, the money They presented national rescue plans that divided ’sini's economies into attempts to digitize them.
To ensure everyone benefits, the EU wants to invest in ultrafast broadband, educate people on digital skills, help start-ups and small businesses innovate and grow, and use technology to make it climate-neutral.
Why is it so important to invest in the digital transition?
Paolo Gentiloni is the Economic Commissioner of the European Commission. As in the USA’, in Europe’, “ says that the goal is to rebuild ” in a better way after the pandemic, and that “ is interested in all sectors of our ”economy.
“You can digitally improve how public administration works, how the healthcare system works, how companies are competitive, and how they work. This is the power of investing in digital that can impact our entire economy.”
The pandemic showed how connectivity issues increased social differences, such as children and young people receiving education from home.
Gentiloni, “This is of course unacceptable” says and adds: “We must seize the opportunity to reduce and eliminate the digital divide. It's now or never. - ”
Europe in digitalizationLeaders of ’
Northern countries and the Netherlands are leading the way in digitalization. But even there, the projects hope to help with the digital transition of the Recovery Fund money.
’ ranked Denmark ‘ as world champion when it comes to e-government. You don't need to leave the house with your driver's license in your pocket, for example, you can download it directly to your smartphone.
Other sectors of the economy are now also participating in the digital transition.
The company transformations
HMK Bilcon’ is headquartered in Jutland’. Founded in 1895 by a blacksmith, the company transitioned from car manufacturing to truck trailers during the 20th century.
Four years ago, CEO Peter Jensby launched a complete overhaul of the company to make the company fully digital, and spent two million euros to change the company.
Jensby, “This transformation meant a worldwide shift for this workplace, and we now have a company that is profitable and has lost a lot of money in the old days, ” explains.
More companies, such as HMK Bilcon, are expected to go fully digital in the coming months.
Denmark has requested 1.6 billion euros in subsidies from the European bailout plan, and will have to allocate one-fifth of that amount to the digital transition.
This fund is also of interest to those already in the digital sector but hoping to expand.
Sahra-Josephine Hjorth created artificial intelligence-based software to help teachers and HR managers create online learning programs. The company quadrupled its roster in 2021 but had difficulty finding private investors.
Hjorth, “In terms of investment, it can be difficult to attract regular investors for very high-risk features that are at the forefront of innovation, ” says.
Gentiloni supports countries that invest their Recovery Fund money in companies like Hjorth’s, and says these countries should look not only at the world of “devs, but also at the world of start-up ’s and medium-sized companies that take on their own roles in this new digital world.
Category: European competition
€134.5 billion will be allocated to digitalisation in AB’'s bailout fund, but will that be enough to make Europe’ a global leader capable of competing with the US and China?
Katrine Forsberg is a member of the Danish Business Development Board. With sufficient infrastructure and skills, AB’ believes it can compete at a global level. What matters is investments in small and medium-sized companies to create jobs and grow businesses, “ says.
Our film crew, courtesy of the Département des Hauts-de-Seine’, had the opportunity to shoot at the Parc de Sceaux’.
