Abstract
This article investigates the persistent digital divide between urban and rural communities in Central-Eastern European countries, examining disparities in internet access, digital literacy, and engagement with e-government services. The study focuses on Romania, Poland, and Hungary as case studies representative of the region’s digital development challenges.
Key Findings
- Rural internet penetration rates lag 25-40 percentage points behind urban areas in the studied countries
- Digital literacy gaps are even more pronounced than infrastructure gaps
- E-government adoption in rural areas remains minimal despite policy investment
- Age and education level are the strongest predictors of digital engagement within rural communities
Methodology
The research combines analysis of national ICT statistics with survey data from rural communities in the three countries. A total of 1,200 respondents participated in structured surveys about their internet usage, digital skills, and engagement with online government services.
Implications
The findings highlight the need for targeted digital inclusion programmes that go beyond infrastructure provision to address skills, content relevance, and accessibility barriers specific to rural populations. The article recommends community-based digital literacy initiatives as a complement to broadband expansion programmes.
