USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES BY THE POPULATION AS THE BASIS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DIGITAL ECONOMY IN THE EUROPEAN UNION
Abstract
The importance of the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) by the population as a fundamental element of digital economy development is substantiated. Attention is focused on the EU strategy and the expansion of activities regarding digital transformation. This is of particular importance for Ukraine in the context of building its own digital economy and accelerating European integration. The specifics of the European approach to digital economy development are explained, emphasizing the social aspect, the creation of opportunities and benefits of digitalization primarily for citizens, and the provision of inclusion and equal access. Based on statistical analysis, the key trends in the expansion of ICT use by the population at the EU level are identified, namely: an increase in the level of Internet use and its transformation into a basis for economic interactions; the growing scale of e-commerce and the sharing economy; and an increase in the recycling rate of ICT devices. It is noted that the EU addresses the challenges of expanding ICT use by stimulating national actions, striving to ensure digital convergence between them. Special attention is paid to the development of e-government and the digitalization of the public sector at the EU level. The growth of individuals' activity in the field of e-government within the EU is demonstrated. Attention is drawn to the EU's support for the digital transformation of the public sector, the gradual achievement of set strategic targets in e-government development, and the persistence of a significant digital divide in this area between "old" and "new" member states. New social effects emerging within the EU in the context of digital transformation as international phenomena are highlighted, specifically: digital socialization, digital solidarity, and digital participation. It is emphasized that the use of ICT by the population and digitalization in various spheres contribute to the deepening of European integration, allowing for the expansion of European integration concepts (neofunctionalism, dirigisme, institutionalism).
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