Digitálna priepasť a jej ekonomické konzekvencie v krajinách EÚ

Digital technologies are often seen as one of the tools to improve productivity and enhance economic growth. However, the uneven distribution of their usage and its quality creates economic and social problems. This phenomenon is referred to as a digital divide. This paper aims to identify the level of digital divide and its potential economic consequences within the European Union. It is aimed at providing theoretical background by linking digital skills, human capital, and the diffusion of new technologies. The study analyzes the multidimensional nature of the digital divide, which includes access to technologies, digital skills, and real use of digital technology. The main contribution of the paper lies primarily in the systematic literature review focused on the results of previous studies. Based on the results of the review, we make certain findings, which we then partially verify using available empirical data. Key findings point to persistent inequalities among specific socio-demographic groups. Factors such as age, gender, and education appear to play a significant role. According to the comparison of data for the Visegrad Four (V4), the paper highlights a significant generational gap in digital skills. It also found a rather significant correlation between education and digital literacy. The paper suggests that addressing these gaps through targeted policies focusing on access to infrastructure and digital skills development for vulnerable groups is a key step to bridge the digital divide and get the possible additional economic benefits from digitalization in the EU.