Digital literacy and the capability to manage e-government in today’s Hungary

Abstract

Based on the results of a large-scale, nationwide representative omnibus survey conducted in the spring of 2023, this study examines the relationship between electronic public administration, i.e. e-government, and digital competence in Hungary today. We compare the digital economy and society index (DESI)/digital decade 2030 2023 indicator and the relevant results of the 2022 national census of the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (HCSO), to produce a more sophisticated picture. All dimensions of digital inequality, the correlations between digital competence and the reasons for the low scores for digital public administration skills are made clear. Once again, it is confirmed that competency in practice brings about competence, while a lack of practice generates competence deficits. In this study, we present a picture of the digital activity and the ability to use e-government of the Hungarian population by age group, gender, occupation and marital status, educational level and residential area at regional and county levels. The methods applied and the results of the research furnish an explanation for the reasons for the present situation of the human digital environment focusing particularly on e-government. It could be useful for further research and orientation in the wider geographical environment of Hungary, too, from the Baltic to the Balkans on the eastern edge of Central Europe.