GKI: Digital competences in Hungary
In today’s information society, digital competences are valued on the labor market, and work productivity largely depends on whether employees are comfortable using new technologies. In the vast majority of cases, the performance of high added-value jobs requires some kind of digital competence, so one of the keys to economic catch-up is for the population to have these skills.
In 2010, 58% of households had a broadband Internet connection, which was a significant lag compared to the EU average. By 2023, this rate reached 93%, which is essentially the same as the EU level. Although we are doing well in terms of the indicator overall, sharp regional differences can be observed: in the Northern Great Plain, the proportion of people with an Internet connection is 10 percentage points lower than in the capital (98%).
The demographic differences are also striking from another point of view: 75% of those with a basic education, while 97% of those with a higher education use the Internet daily. When analyzed by age group, the proportion of Internet users among 16-24-year-olds is nearly 100%, while among 55-74-year-olds it is 78%.
However, it does not matter what we use the Internet for: the majority of the population uses it mainly for communication and entertainment, only 43% of Hungarian Internet users read online news sites, and 18% listen to podcasts. Every fourth Internet user takes advantage of the possibility of online administration, and only every fifth uses online teaching materials and courses. The latter data is below the EU average, which is partly explained by the lower purchasing power.
In addition, the proportion of online purchases is also a good indicator of digital openness. In 2020, 60% of the Hungarian population made purchases on the Internet within a year, and then came the coronavirus, which paralleled the role of the online world. Thus, by 2023, this indicator jumped to 70%, reaching the EU average.
Related news
László Krisán: Stabilisation is the first step, but new answers are needed to be competitive
László Krisán, the CEO of KAVOSZ Zrt. has assessed the…
Read more >GKI economic sentiment index declines in May, inflation expectations improve
According to a survey conducted by GKI Economic Research Zrt.…
Read more >Hungarian SMEs see the future in development
The vast majority of companies desire and plan technological developments,…
Read more >Related news
Carrefour launches its first AI-based solution in Spain
French retail chain Carrefour has chosen Spain to implement its…
Read more >Gösser Spritz display from Hungary wins two POP world titles
This year a Hungarian Gösser Spritz display – the winner…
Read more >Valeo Foods Group buys Italian panettone maker Melegatti 1894
The acquisition is the second Valeo Foods Group has announced…
Read more >