Hungary’s National Digitalisation Strategy 2022-2030

The ‘Nemzeti Digitalizációs Stratégia 2022-2030’ (National Digitalization Strategy) is a comprehensive framework designed by the Hungarian government to guide the country’s digital transformation over the period from 2022 to 2030. This strategy is a critical document for Hungary, as it seeks to address the challenges and opportunities posed by digitalisation in various sectors of the economy and society.

The National Digitalization Strategy 2022-2030 is a forward-looking document that sets the direction for Hungary’s digital transformation over the next decade. By focusing on infrastructure, competence, the economy, and public services, the strategy aims to create a modern, competitive Hungary where digital solutions are integrated into every aspect of life. The successful implementation of the strategy will require strong commitment and cooperation across government institutions, as well as alignment with EU policies and objectives.

Introduction: The Need and Mandate for the Strategy

Digitalisation as a Transformative Force
The strategy begins by emphasising the central role of digitalisation in the 20th and 21st centuries. It acknowledges that digitalisation fundamentally changes how national economies operate and how citizens live their daily lives. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the necessity for countries and societies to integrate digital technologies into all aspects of life to remain competitive internationally.

Hungary’s Digital Progress Since 2010
Since 2010, Hungary has undergone significant economic and social development, with digitalisation playing a key role. Notable achievements include the nearly complete rollout of high-speed internet across the country, providing 96.7% of households with access to modern network connections. Additionally, there has been a significant increase in the number of daily internet users, and a substantial reduction in the number of people disconnected from the digital world. These improvements are attributed to targeted government programs.

The Imperative for Continued Development
Despite these advancements, the strategy recognises that Hungary must continue to develop its digital infrastructure to maintain its competitiveness in the global market. The ‘National Digitalization Strategy’ (NDS) aims to place digital infrastructure, education, and public services at the center of Hungary’s modernisation and competitiveness efforts.

The Mandate and Framework of the Strategy

Strategic Mandate and Coordination

The strategic mandate for the NDS is based on the Hungarian government’s regulations on the responsibilities and powers of its ministers. The strategy was developed under the coordination of the Prime Minister’s Office, integrating input from various ministries. It serves as a follow-up to the National Infocommunication Strategy, which ended in 2020, and aligns with the European Union’s 2021-2027 regional and cohesion policy, prioritising digitalisation as a key area alongside innovation and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Alignment with EU Policies
The NDS is closely aligned with the EU’s ‘Digital Decade’ policy program, which outlines goals for the digital transformation of businesses, public services, and digital infrastructure by 2030. The strategy’s structure reflects these EU goals, focusing on digital infrastructure, competence, economy, and public services.

Integration of Previous Strategies
The NDS consolidates and updates existing government documents related to digitalisation, providing a unified framework for Hungary’s digital transformation. It also identifies and addresses gaps in the current digital ecosystem, ensuring that all components of the digital environment are developed in a balanced and integrated manner.

The Pillar Structure of the Strategy

The NDS is structured around four main pillars, each representing a critical area of focus for Hungary’s digital transformation:

1. Digital Infrastructure: This pillar emphasises the importance of providing modern, high-capacity broadband networks across Hungary. It aims to ensure that digital infrastructure does not become a bottleneck for the development of the digital ecosystem.
2. Digital Competence: The strategy focuses on enhancing the digital skills and awareness of the population, increasing the number of digitally proficient workers, and reducing the digital divide. Special attention is given to increasing the number of IT professionals, particularly women.
3. Digital Economy: This pillar aims to boost the digital readiness of businesses, foster the integration of digital technologies, and encourage the development of innovative digital solutions across all sectors. It also supports the data economy in line with Hungary’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
4. Digital State: The strategy seeks to expand the range of user-friendly digital public services and promote their adoption among citizens and businesses. It also focuses on improving the efficiency of public administration through digitalisation, automation, and the development of interoperable data connections.

Economic and Social Significance

Economic Impact
Digitalisation plays a crucial role in value creation and enhancing competitiveness. The strategy highlights the substantial contribution of the ICT sector to Hungary’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and its importance as a major exporter and employer. The digital economy’s contribution to Hungary’s GDP is expected to exceed 25% in the near future.

Social Impact
The NDS also addresses the social implications of digitalisation, particularly in the context of the labor market. The strategy emphasises the importance of digital skills in securing employment and highlights the risk of social exclusion for those lacking these skills. It also underlines the need for continuous development of digital competencies to keep pace with technological advancements.