2.4. Analysis of results

In connectivity, the Basque Country maintains an outstanding fourth position, with a difference of only 4 points with the best performer, obtaining positive results in all its sub-dimensions and indicators, with the exception of the affordability of Internet access. These promising results include those related to ultrafast broadband networks.

Regarding human capital, the Basque Country ranks seventh position. This is due to the fact that its results in basic skills need improving, while in advanced skills it has obtained the second highest values. This second position hides a striking contrast between the remarkable level of people graduated in the scientific-technological field (STEM) and the low level of ICT specialists in the labour market. As a consequence there is a difference of 12 points with the country with the highest score in human capital.

On the other hand, the Basque Country obtains very limited results in the use of Internet services in households, with low scores in comparison to the European average. This is explained by its poor ratios in the use of communication services and access to content, and somewhat less by its limited usage of economic transactions through the Internet.

The integration of digital technology in Basque companies is significant, although there is a 10-point differential with the leading countries. This relatively decent position, however, contains uneven behaviour. On the one hand, Basque companies are leaders in business digitisation, i.e. adopting technologies in their business. But, on the other hand, the use of technology in the e-commerce of SMEs presents very low levels in different markets and in their contribution to their total turnover.

The digitisation of public services in the Basque Country enables Basque public administration to obtain a twelfth position, slightly above the European average, i.e. 18 points from the most digitised country. Thus, while the development of eGovernment attains a medium relative position (obtains average scores in almost all indicators, despite a very limited offer of digital public services for companies), Basque public administration holds a remarkable sixth position in eHealth.