Inclusion and Innovation in the Digital Economy

Inclusion and Innovation in the Digital Economy shows how Europe’s digital future can be both innovative and inclusive. Based on EU-27 data from 2015 to 2023, it uncovers what truly drives digital progress and how countries can align technological growth with social equity.

At its heart lies a unique framework that connects innovation with inclusion, highlighting not only technology and growth but also the critical roles of skills, trust, and fairness. By combining advanced analytical tools with accessible explanations, the book maps national pathways of digitalisation and develops credible scenarios to 2030 for indices such as Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI). The results are clear: Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) human capital is the decisive channel through which socio-economic structures shape digital outcomes.

By identifying distinct trajectories across the EU, the book translates complex data into actionable insights for policy, strategy, and investment. With clear visuals, transparent sources, and replicable methods, it is both rigorous and practical. This book is written for researchers seeking evidence, policymakers shaping digital strategies, and business leaders making informed decisions. It is not just another academic study, but a decision-enabling resource for Europe’s digital decade.

Ewelina Sokolowska is Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Digital Economy and Finance at the Faculty of Management and Economics, Gdańsk University of Technology, Poland.

Malgorzata Gawrycka is Associate Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Management and Economics at the Gdańsk University of Technology, Poland.