The Network of Digital Facilitation Services- Italy
About this project
The Network of Digital Facilitation Services is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at promoting the widespread growth of digital skills across Italy. Its objective is to encourage the autonomous, informed, and responsible use of new technologies while fostering active digital citizenship and increasing access to online services provided by both public and private entities. By empowering citizens with digital skills, this initiative directly addresses the digital divide, enabling individuals to fully participate in the digital society.
At the core of this project are the "Punti Digitale Facile" (Digital Facilitation Points)—physical and mobile centers where citizens, particularly those with limited or no digital proficiency, receive one-on-one guidance and blended training from trained facilitators. These professionals, including librarians, employment center staff, senior center operators, and educators, are equipped with the necessary skills through training programs aligned with the European DigComp framework. The initiative targets citizens aged 16-74, aiming to train two million individuals by 2026.
Why is this a good practice?
Over 2,330 Punti Digitale Facile have been established across Italy, supporting more than 370,000 citizens to date. Funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), the initiative is designed to be sustainable, with plans to integrate it into regional programming to ensure its continuation beyond 2026. The project has proven highly effective, consistently meeting its goals while maintaining an accessible and minimally bureaucratic implementation model.
The project combines central coordination with regional implementation, ensuring national consistency while addressing local needs. It is aligned with the European DigComp model, enabling facilitators’ training to be standardized and the program to be easily adapted to other EU countries. By prioritizing vulnerable populations, the initiative promotes digital inclusion and reduces barriers to accessing essential digital services, fostering a more equitable digital society.
The Path Ahead
The Network of Digital Facilitation Services is a cornerstone of Italy’s strategy to bridge the digital divide, enhance digital literacy, and foster inclusion. As it continues to expand, its success offers a replicable model for other nations facing similar challenges. With its proven effectiveness, clear sustainability plan, and alignment with EU standards, this initiative exemplifies how coordinated efforts can empower citizens and promote digital transformation on a national scale.
