Digital Landscape: Western Europe’s Digital Agenda Incentivises New-Age Technologies

Denmark is the digital leader in Western Europe, Greece is the digital laggard

While Western Europe is the most digitally advanced region globally, there are variations among nations in digital connectivity. Denmark is the leader helped by enabling regulations and competition. However, Greece’s economic turmoil has affected telecom investments and it remains a digital laggard.

The Digital Agenda aims to create a digital single market in the region

The European Commission’s Digital Agenda is being implemented by countries in the region. The agenda aims to create a digital single market by strengthening infrastructure as well as providing high-speed internet to all households and improving digital literacy among the youth.

Digital commerce and the Internet of Things (IoT) will provide immense growth opportunities in the future

Digital commerce, both remote and proximity, will be the key growth segment going forward. The region’s advanced financial services sector and high smartphone penetration will fuel digital transactions. Increasing penetration of connected appliances will also enable development of the IoT landscape.

Online security concerns and inadequate technical skills pose challenges

Concerns surrounding data security and theft have impeded digital transactions in countries such as Germany. An inadequate number of technical professionals can also act as an impediment for the implementation of the Digital Agenda.

Switzerland, Austria and Germany are the key growth markets

Switzerland and Austria will witness the biggest improvements in the Digital Connectivity Index ranking over 2015-2020. Both countries are moving ahead with investments in IoT applications. Germany is expected to make major strides in mobile connectivity.