The Digital Divide in Western Europe: Problems and Prospects

Abstract

This paper reviews the digital divide in Western Europe, as well as policy options for combating that divide. While age, income and gender are significant predictors of the digital divide in Western Europe, geography plays a crucial role. The countries in Southern Europe have less computer and Internet penetration than their Northern European counterparts. The paper then discusses four policy options for combating the divide, suggesting that the most effective solution would be private/public partnerships.