Austria's performance towards the Digital Decade targets and objectives.
In 2023, Austria made good progress in the area of connectivity infrastructure, notably in Very High-Capacity Network (VHCN) coverage. However, some challenges persist in high quality gigabit networks coverage (notably Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)) and in the adoption of data analytics. Austria, instead, has advanced well in the adoption of cloud technologies.
Two main strengths or areas of progress
Connectivity infrastructure
67.6% of households are covered by VHCN coverage. While this data stands below the EU average of 78.8%, there was a notable progress in 2023 (+23.3%).
Uptake of cloud by enterprises
Although still only 35.6% have adopted cloud technologies, below the EU average of 38.9%, Austria made a good progress in this area (+11.2%), exceeding the EU growth rate.
Two main weaknesses or areas to improve
Connectivity infrastructure
Only 41% of Austria’s households are covered by Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), which remains below the EU average of 64%, despite progress in 2023 (+ 11.9%).
Adoption of advanced digital technologies by enterprises
57.9% of enterprises have at least a basic level of digital intensity, in line with the EU average of 57.7%. However, only 23.9% of enterprises have adopted data analytics in 2023, which stands significantly below the EU average of 33.2%.
Austria's Key Performance Indicators
Austria’s Digital Decade strategic roadmap
The Austrian roadmap demonstrates that the country plans a significant effort to achieve the Digital Decade objectives and targets. It sets targets for 4 out of 14 key performance indicators (KPIs) and, in most of the cases, targets are aligned with the EU 2030 ambitions. To achieve its digital transformation, Austria plans to allocate a total budget (excluding private investments) estimated at EUR 3.4 billion (0.7% GDP).
Digital rights and principles
The Special Eurobarometer 'Digital Decade 2024' reveals that 55% of Austrians believe the EU protects their digital rights (+8% compared to 2023, and above the EU average of 45%). Confidence in all relevant areas such as freedom of assembly online (65%), digital public services (65%) and privacy friendly technologies (67%), is higher than the EU average. However, significant concerns include control over personal data (38%) and the online safety for children (47%). These findings underscore the need to reinforce digital rights at national level.
Country-Specific Recommendations
Austria must improve its performance towards the Digital Decade targets and objectives, to foster competitiveness, resilience, sovereignty, and promote European values and climate action.
Connectivity infrastructure
Take appropriate actions to maintain the current FTTP roll-out pace and monitor the metrics, including rural coverage, to reach full coverage by 2030.
Adoption of advanced technologies by enterprises
Design specific measures to increase the take-up of advanced technologies by enterprises, especially for data analytics techniques and cloud.
ICT specialists
Design new targeted measures to increase drastically the number of ICT specialists, including by upskilling/reskilling the labour force and bridging the gender gap.
More on the Digital Decade Report 2024
Digital Decade 2024 report: Country fact pages
Check out the progress of all Member States and extracts of country-specific recommendations.