Theoretical paper on the measurement of digital divide

This paper offers a theoretical and methodological analysis of the measurement of the digital divide during ongoing process of digital transformation. Digital divide is a multi-level issue, typically categorised into three stages. At the early stage, the divide is mostly driven by the lack of access to technologies, while at the higher stages the skills and outcomes are more important. The study will examine the effectiveness of existing digitalisation measures in capturing cross-country differences in digital maturity. We consider a wide selection of metrics, spanning from internet accessibility and infrastructure, through basic and advanced skills, up to government policies,and economic indicators. The aim of this research will be to find the best indicators to capture the between-country digital divide at different stages of digital maturity. Acknowledgements: The publication was co-financed by the European Union under the Horizon Europe Framework Programme (HORIZON-MSCA-2021-SE-01-1); Project number: 101086381; Project title: Overcoming Digital Divide in Europe and Southeast Asia.