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A Latent Profile Analysis Of Digcomp Dimensions And The Alignment With Eu Digital Goals: A Case Of Slovenia

Author

Listed:
  • Mitja DECMAN

    (University of Ljubljana; Faculty of Public Administration; Gosarjeva ulica 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

  • Maja KLUN

    (University of Ljubljana; Faculty of Public Administration; Gosarjeva ulica 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

  • Janez STARE

    (University of Ljubljana; Faculty of Public Administration; Gosarjeva ulica 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

Abstract

The European Union’s Digital Decade strategy, structured around the Digital Compass, identifies digital skills as a key dimension to ensure that at least 80% of the population possesses basic digital competencies by 2030. According to the DESI 2024 report, only the Netherlands and Finland have already reached this benchmark, while other member states, including Slovenia, lag behind. In 2023, only 46.7% of Slovenian citizens demonstrated at least basic digital skills, highlighting the urgency of addressing the digital divide. Drawing on resource and appropriation theory and digital capital theory, this study investigates the relationship between personal and positional resources, digital skills, and ICT usage. Using data from 2,585 Slovenian respondents in the EU Survey on the Use of ICT in Households and by Individuals (EUROSTAT), we conducted a latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify patterns across the five competence areas defined in the DigComp framework. The analysis produced five distinct digital skill profiles. Results indicate that older individuals are significantly more likely to belong to low-skilled profiles, while income does not exert a strong influence. Conversely, younger and lower-income respondents showed a higher probability of belonging to semi-skilled groups characterized by weak digital design competences and overconfidence in their abilities. These findings provide empirical evidence to guide policymakers in designing targeted interventions to strengthen digital competences across demographic groups. The research also demonstrates an approach that can be replicated across EU member states to support progress toward the Digital Decade’s 2030 objectives.

Suggested Citation

  • Mitja DECMAN & Maja KLUN & Janez STARE, 2025. "A Latent Profile Analysis Of Digcomp Dimensions And The Alignment With Eu Digital Goals: A Case Of Slovenia," REVISTA ADMINISTRATIE SI MANAGEMENT PUBLIC, Faculty of Administration and Public Management, Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania, vol. 2025(45), pages 46-68.
    • Handle: RePEc:rom:rampas:v:2025:y:2025:i:45:p:46-68
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.24818/amp/2025.45-03
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anca Elena-Bucea & Frederico Cruz-Jesus & Tiago Oliveira & Pedro Simões Coelho, 2021. "Assessing the Role of Age, Education, Gender and Income on the Digital Divide: Evidence for the European Union," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 23(4), pages 1007-1021, August.
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    JEL classification:

    • C54 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Quantitative Policy Modeling
    • I25 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Economic Development
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy

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