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Unravelling digital divides in the Emilia-Romagna region through the poset approach

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  • Zola, Claudia

Abstract

This study leverages granular DESIER data - a municipal-level adaptation of DESI - to analyse the digital divide across Emilia-Romagna municipalities. Using the poset methodology, this study overcomes the limitations of traditional composite indexes by enabling a detailed examination of digital disparities, intervention areas, and digitalization dynamics from 2022 to 2024. Despite Emilia-Romagna being one of the most digitalized regions in Italy, the analysis reveals significant territorial fragmentation. Municipalities are classified into four digitalization categories from the most to the least digitalized (Pioneers, Innovators, Explorers, and Beginners), highlighting pronounced urban-rural disparities and internal gaps. Connectivity emerges as the most influential dimension of digitalization, while population size, urbanization, income, and employment rates are identified as structural factors positively influencing municipal digital advancement prospects. The study highlights the multidimensional nature of digitalization, advocating for balanced, context-sensitive policies to reduce disparities and foster resilience. Despite some limitations, the study offers a replicable framework and actionable insights for promoting inclusive digitalization strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Zola, Claudia, 2025. "Unravelling digital divides in the Emilia-Romagna region through the poset approach," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 49(5).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:telpol:v:49:y:2025:i:5:s0308596125000552
    DOI: 10.1016/j.telpol.2025.102958
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    Keywords

    Digitalization; Digital divide; Poset method; Municipal level; Emilia-Romagna;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C43 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics - - - Index Numbers and Aggregation
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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