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Digitalisation in Italy: Evidence from a New Regional Index

Author

Listed:
  • Andrea Benecchi

    (Bank of Italy)

  • Carlo Bottoni

    (Bank of Italy)

  • Emanuela Ciapanna

    (Bank of Italy)

  • Annalisa Frigo

    (Bank of Italy)

  • Aldo Milan

    (Agcom)

  • Elisa Scarinzi

    (Bank of Italy)

Abstract

The geographic digital divide has a relevant, though largely unexplored, within country dimension. This paper proposes an index of digital development for the Italian NUTS2 regions (rDESI) based on the European Commission’s Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI). The rDESI monitors the regional digital divide along five dimensions: (i) the infrastructure and the network usage (connectivity), (ii) the population’s digital skills, (iii) the use of internet services by households, (iv) the integration of ICT by firms, and (v) the level of digital services offered by the local government. According to our findings, southern regions tend to lag behind in most of these dimensions, even if infrastructures and the quality of connectivity appears rather homogeneous across the country. We also propose a methodological discussion of the DESI index, highlighting some limitations and possible solutions. The rDESI represents a useful policy instrument, providing a regional mapping of the shortfalls and strengths of digital development, which could be referred to as a guideline for policymakers when deciding about funds allocation and public investment, fostering a more inclusive diffusion of digital technologies all over the country.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrea Benecchi & Carlo Bottoni & Emanuela Ciapanna & Annalisa Frigo & Aldo Milan & Elisa Scarinzi, 2023. "Digitalisation in Italy: Evidence from a New Regional Index," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 169(1), pages 23-54, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:169:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1007_s11205-023-03153-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-023-03153-2
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    1. Sylvia Jenčová & Petra Vašaničová & Marta Miškufová, 2023. "Multidimensional Evaluation of EU and Slovakia in the Context of Digital Transformation," Central European Business Review, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 2023(1), pages 65-95.
    2. Daniela Marconi & Marco Marinucci & Giovanna Paladino, 2022. "Digitalization, financial knowledge and financial decisions," Questioni di Economia e Finanza (Occasional Papers) 741, Bank of Italy, Economic Research and International Relations Area.
    3. Serrecchia, Michela, 2024. "Analysis of Internet development and internal digital divide by using the “.it” domain names as an indicator: Evidence from Italy," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 48(10).
    4. Elisa Filippi & Antonello Aiello, 2024. "Barriers, Benefits, and Influential Factors of Adopting Earth Observation Satellite Data at Local and Regional Levels: The Case of the Italian LRAs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-40, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Digitalisation; Connectivity; DESI; Regional divergence;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C43 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics - - - Index Numbers and Aggregation
    • C80 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - General
    • L96 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Telecommunications
    • R10 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - General

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