Path to Europe’s Digital Decade: The Strategic Plan for the Digitalization of Czechia by 2030

The ‘Path to Europe’s Digital Decade: The Strategic Plan for the Digitalization of Czechia by 2030’ is a strategy designed to align the Czech Republic’s digital transformation efforts with the broader goals set forth by the European Union’s Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030 (DDPP). This strategic plan is anchored in Decision (EU) 2022/2481, which outlines the EU’s digital objectives for the decade, and it serves as a roadmap for Czechia to achieve these targets by 2030. The plan addresses various facets of digitalization, including digital skills, digital infrastructures, the digital transformation of businesses, and the digitalization of public services. It builds upon existing national strategies, such as the Digital Czechia initiative, and integrates the specific objectives of the Digital Decade, ensuring a coordinated approach across different sectors and stakeholders.

Analysis of the Current State of Digital Transformation

1.1 State of Play

Czechia’s current digital landscape reflects both progress and challenges. The country ranks 19th among the 27 EU member states in the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) 2022, with strengths in human capital but lagging in digital infrastructure and technology integration. The government has made digital transformation a priority, as evidenced by the appointment of the Deputy Prime Minister for Digitalization and the establishment of the Digital and Information Agency (DIA). Despite these efforts, significant gaps remain, particularly in ICT professional training and business digitalization.

1.2 Challenges for the Czech Republic

Czechia faces multiple challenges in its digitalization journey, including a shortage of ICT professionals, insufficient digital infrastructure, and the need to enhance the digital skills of its population. The COVID-19 pandemic and the geopolitical situation in Europe have further complicated these challenges, necessitating a robust response to ensure that the country can meet the Digital Decade objectives.

1.3 Strengths and Advantages of the Czech Republic

Czechia’s primary strengths lie in its human capital and the strategic initiatives already underway, such as the Digital Czechia concept and the establishment of the DIA. The country has made notable progress in areas like semiconductor production and quantum computing, positioning itself as a potential leader in these fields. Moreover, significant investments in digital skills and business digitalization are set to accelerate Czechia’s progress toward the Digital Decade targets.

National Trajectories and Targets to Contribute to the EU’s Digital Objectives

2.1 Digital Skills

One of the key objectives of the DDPP is to ensure that 80% of the EU population aged 16 to 74 have at least basic digital skills by 2030. For Czechia, the baseline in 2021 was 59.7%, with a national target of 80% by 2030. The strategy emphasises the need to improve digital literacy, particularly among women, and includes specific actions under the Education 2030+ Strategy to achieve these goals.

2.2 Digital Infrastructures

Czechia’s digital infrastructure, particularly in terms of connectivity, is currently below the EU average, with only 53.2% coverage of very high-capacity networks (VHCNs) as of 2022. The strategic plan aims to increase this to 95% by 2030 through targeted investments and policy measures, including the development of a Digital Technical Map and support for 5G network expansion.

2.3 Digital Transformation of Businesses

The plan sets ambitious targets for the digital transformation of Czech businesses, aiming for 60% of enterprises to use cloud services by 2030, up from 40% in 2021. The use of big data and artificial intelligence is also a focus, with the goal of significantly increasing their adoption among Czech enterprises. The strategy includes support measures under the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the Operational Programme Technologies and Application for Competitiveness.

2.4 Digitalization of Public Services

The digitalization of public services is a critical component of the strategy, with the aim of improving the accessibility and quality of online government services. The establishment of the DIA is a significant step in this direction, providing oversight and coordination of digital projects across ministries. The plan also includes initiatives like the development of the eDocuments application and the European Digital Identity Wallet to streamline public service delivery and enhance citizen engagement.

Policies, Actions, and Steps to Achieve the Digital Objectives

3.1 Digital Skills

The strategy outlines a comprehensive approach to improving digital skills, including the integration of digital literacy into the national education curriculum, the establishment of digital education committees, and targeted training programs for ICT professionals.

3.2 Digital Infrastructures

To achieve the digital infrastructure targets, the strategy includes actions such as expanding VHCN coverage, enhancing 5G network reach, and supporting the development of semiconductor production and quantum computing capabilities.

3.3 Digital Transformation of Businesses

The strategy focuses on supporting SMEs through digital innovation centers, promoting cloud computing, and increasing the use of AI and big data in business operations. It also highlights the need for regulatory support to ensure that digital transformation initiatives can thrive.

3.4 Digitalization of Public Services

The plan includes specific measures to enhance the digitalization of public services, such as the mandatory use of data boxes for legal entities and the expansion of the Citizen Portal for online government services.

Cooperation at the EU Level

5.1 Multi-Country Projects

Czechia’s strategy emphasises the importance of participating in multi-country projects, particularly those under the European Digital Infrastructure Consortium (EDIC), to leverage shared resources and expertise in achieving the Digital Decade objectives.

5.2 Facilitating Factors at the EU Level

The strategy identifies several EU-level facilitating factors, such as funding mechanisms and regulatory frameworks, that can support Czechia’s digital transformation efforts.

Stakeholder Feedback and Overall Impact

6.1 Stakeholder Feedback

The strategy highlights the importance of incorporating feedback from various stakeholders, including public, private, and non-profit sectors, to ensure the plan’s effectiveness and responsiveness to emerging challenges.

7.1 Overall Impact and Conclusion

The strategic plan concludes by summarising the expected impact of the digital transformation initiatives, emphasising the need for continuous updates and adjustments to keep pace with technological advancements and changing geopolitical dynamics.

This detailed strategy provides a clear roadmap for Czechia to achieve its digitalization goals by 2030, aligning with the broader objectives of the European Union’s Digital Decade.