Alexander Felsenberg of the German Digital Economy Association began the afternoon session with an overview of Germany’s digital divide efforts. Germany’s digital economy employs approximately 940,000 people. In general this number has been stagnant among Germany’s software producers and IT services providers, but there has been growth among e-commerce and online advertising professionals. Ninety-five percent of the workforce is employed by small or medium enterprises.
In terms of infrastructure, 34% of the country has broadband available through Germany’s private telecom companies. Germany has the highest number of Internet users in the EU, but the overall Internet penetration rate is somewhat lower than in Scandinavia. Germany is also in the process of rolling out digital television, with a plan to end analog broadcasting by the year 2015.
Felsenberg then gave an overview of the last 20 years of German ICT policy, explaining the evolution of the industry from government-owned to privatized, and how this lead to the growth of Internet providers in the late 90s. In 1993, 6.5% of the population used the Internet; today it’s closer to 55%. There’s a direct correlation between Internet access and one’s age – they younger, the more likely you’re online – and education level – less educated Germans tend to online less than the educated.
According to Felsenberg, the lack of ICT skills is a major barrier to bridging the digital divide, as well as high access costs, lack of public interest, and security/privacy concerns. The government has invested in connecting schools and libraries to the Internet, while private sector entities like the Chamber of Commerce and Siemens have embraced ICT literacy programs like the European Computer Drivers License program and multimedia development competitions for students. In terms of e-government, the BundOnline 2005 initiative is brining government information and transactions online, along with online bidding for government contracts. The government has also enacted initiatives to promote online gender equality and access among the elderly.
Felsenberg wrapped up his presentation by talking about the importance of public-private partnerships to bridge the digital divide. He cited the Digitale Chancen Foundation as an example: an initiative inspired by the Digital Divide Network that uses the Internet to promote public Internet access points around the country. Digitale Chancen utilizes resources from government and the private sector while being managed by a university. Combining resources allows programs like this a greater chance of success and sustainability over the long term.