Digitalization Trends in Northern Europe: A Comparative Analysis of Regional Countries

The article focuses on digitalization process in the Nordic countries – Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway which are among the European leaders in this field. The issue is of considerable topical interest, as digitalization continues to evolve and expand. Given that Sweden is the largest country in the region, primarily attention is devoted to it, while the other countries are analyzed in comparison. The study emphasizes the particular features of digitalization in the 2020s. It explores developments in these countries over the past 5 years, which differ from оne another and occur in various regions. The purpose of the article is to demonstrate the level of digitalization in the Nordic countries and to identify the measures implemented in each case. Digitalization is understood as the introduction of digital technologies into diverse spheres of human activity, ranging from everyday life to business, healthcare, and public administration. The author examines both the forms and dynamics of digitalization in the region. Particular attention is paid to the DESI index, developed by the European Commission, which assesses of digital competence, broadband and mobile networks, access to digital services in business and society, and the use of publicly available digital services. Between 2014 and 2022, the index provided a comprehensive overview of digital development in the EU countries as a whole and by individual country. Since 2023, under the Digital Economy Policy Program 2030, it has been incorporated into the State of the Digital Economy report. This report evaluates the EU in digital transformation across 4 key areas: digital infrastructure, digital skills, the digitalization of public services, and the digitalization of business. The 2024 report also considers critical factors and challenges such as the current geopolitical paradigm, the difficult economic context, and the impact of new technologies – including generative artificial intelligence – on competitiveness. According to these indicators, all Nordic countries have consistently ranked among the top five in recent years. Each country has adopted its own digitalization strategy. In Sweden, for instance, particular emphasis is placed on ensuring household and business access to broadband internet, promoting the adoption of digital technologies by citizens, firms, and government, strengthening digital skills, and enhancing national digital security. Overall, the Nordic countries maintain a leading position in the digitalization process in Europe.