Addressing Digital and AI Skills Gaps in European Living Areas: A Comparative Analysis of Small and Large Communities

The research paper explores AI and digital skills disparities in different European communities, specifically comparing differences between urban and rural populations. The study assesses digital skills, AI awareness, trust, and attitudes among these populations and uses a dataset of over 4,000 respondents from eight EU countries.

The main findings of this paper show that there is a clear digital skills gap and differences in attitudes and trust levels, with small community residents usually reporting lower skills and more skepticism towards AI systems in contrast to residents of larger communities. Demographic factors, such as age and education level, are identified as central factors influencing these differences. Young and educated tech-exposed groups commonly show higher proficiency and trust .

The study highlights that these gaps create barriers for an inclusive European digital transformation. Therefore, it recommends targeted policies and resources to close these gaps and differing attitudes. These approaches aim to ensure that the EU’s digital and AI advancements benefit all communities, enhancing digital inclusivity and equity across the region.