2.3.2. Human capital

Two sub-dimensions shape the analysis of human capital: Internet user skills and advanced skills and development. Both contribute to the same extent to the dimension. Table 3 presents the values ​​and positions of these two sub-dimensions.

Both sub-dimensions include three indicators that measure on the one hand the digital competences of citizens in general and, on the other, those of the workforce. The fourth position of the Basque Country in advanced skills is to be highlighted. In the case of Internet user skills, the result is not so positive, being below the EU-28 average.

Table 4 shows the results of the human capital indicators.

The first two indicators of user skills refer, at different levels (basic or above basic), to digital skills related to information, communication, problem solving or the use of a “software” for the creation of contents, such as the use of word processors, spreadsheets, the creation of presentations or documents that integrate texts, drawings, tables or graphics, or programming language. The results shown are very different; while, in the case of general skills of basic or higher level, the position of the Basque Country is correct and the value is above the average of the EU-28, in those related to "software", for the same level , the value is noticeably lower than the average and the position, more backwards. In the case of higher level skills, the rank of the Basque Country is intermediate, for a value just below the EU-28 average.

This uneven behaviour can also be seen in the indicators of advanced skills and development: with ICT graduates, the Basque Country holds the first place in the ranking, but this is not the case with the ICT specialist employees, who are below the average of the EU-28. In the case of female ICT specialists, the results are somewhat better in positional terms.

1. Information and Communication Technologies