In 2023, 83% of Dutch people aged between 16 and 75 had basic digital skills (CBS). Additionally, in 2022, 98% of Dutch people aged 16 and older had internet access, and 92% owned a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or PC (CBS, Dutch). These figures place the Netherlands at the forefront in Europe. However, digitalisation in the Netherlands is relatively advanced, meaning the consequences of not participating digitally can be significant.
Research by the University of Twente shows that older people, the low-skilled, those with lower incomes, the low-literate, and, to a lesser extent, women benefit less from the opportunities offered by digitisation. In short, without intervention, already vulnerable groups may fall further behind.
Furthermore, technological developments are advancing rapidly. All Dutch citizens must therefore continue to develop their digital skills. That is why the government monitors the state of digital skills in the Netherlands and identifies where action is needed, including through the DIGCOM study conducted by the University of Amsterdam.
