UK digital economy sixth best in EU: European Commission

Britain has the sixth best digital economy in the European Union according to a new report from the European Commission.

The UK’s digital economy continues to rank among the best in Europe, according to a new report from the European Commission (EC), which places Britain in sixth place.

In our increasingly online world there are a number of digital opportunities to be had, such as access to public services online, which is why it’s important that economies keep up with the pace of change in the sector.

However, it seems that the UK has nothing to fear as it is still way ahead of the majority of Europe, according to the new report, the Digital Economy and Society Index. Only Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland and Belgium were ranked higher than Britain.

The EC’s report highlighted a growing disparity among the 28 countries of the European Union (EU) and that international borders remains one of the top obstacles to a digital single market, which happens to be one of Jean-Claude Juncker’s, president of the EC, top priorities.

In the past year, the UK made progress in connectivity and digital public services. The report noted that the number of people signing up for fast broadband increased by 28 per cent in 2014, compared with 21 per cent in 2013, while the lowest cost to get basic broadband fell to give the UK the best deal in the EU. Furthermore, the UK climbed five ranks to 11th place with regards to digital public services.

Domestic eCommerce uptake by UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is one area where the UK excels, which is more widespread than any other country in the EU. Britain’s use of social media by enterprises is also quite advanced, with around 28 per cent of SMEs on the uptake.

However, the report notes that more young people need to be attracted to Information Communication and Technology studies and jobs, especially if the UK wishes to maintain its place as one of the leading digital economies in Europe.

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