Abstract

The European Commission reports that four out of ten adults lack basic digital skills, and more than 70% of businesses identify a lack of digital skills among their staff as an obstacle to growth1. These challenges are greater in rural areas where access to broadband internet lags behind urban areas. Lack of digital skills can preclude citizens from access to a range of services, including eGovernment, remote learning, online purchase of goods and services, and the opportunity to fully participate in their communities. Digital skills within the workforce are increasingly important for businesses to access new markets, compete, innovate and increase productivity. This policy brief includes information on a range of pilots from the COnnecting Remote Areas (CORA) project which examined how municipalities worked with stakeholders
and users to overcome these issues and help develop digital skills in remote areas.