24 November 2023

The digital gap is significant in EU, over half of the population miss high speed internet in their homes. Irina Kolupaieva is a guest researcher at LiU, she is passionate about ensuring that the digital society becomes a reality for everyone.

A women is checking her phone to find out information about sugar level in blood.
Irina Kolupaieva is usin her insuline pen. It is a reusable smart insulin pen that uses Bluetooth technology to send dose information to a mobile app. Photographer: Teiksma Buseva

In the heart of Linköping University's Department of Management and Engineering (IEI), Irina Kolupaieva, a guest researcher from Ukraine, delves into the intricate web of digitalization's impact on a nation's competitiveness. Her expertise, honed through a recent research project, sheds light on the pivotal role of digital innovations in reshaping the quality of life and fostering business opportunities.

As a researcher at IEI, Irina Kolupaieva works over the borders of different disciplines. Her work focuses on dissecting the mechanisms of governmental regulatory policies, drawing inspiration from the diverse experiences of European countries and the principles of a circular economy.
The core question guiding Irina Kolupaieva´s research is profound: What digital government strategy proves most efficient in not only ensuring a country's competitiveness but also harnessing digital innovations for the benefit of its citizens?

“The digitalization of society marks a fundamental process of economic, sociopolitical, and cultural transformation. While some EU countries stand at the forefront of digitalization, obtaining substantial economic and social benefits, the landscape is far from equal across Europe," says Irina Kolupaieva.

Portrait of a women. Photo credit Teiksma Buseva

This difference is known as "digital gap"—a divide that manifest based on how advanced a society is in its digital development. Factors such as digital skills and access to high-speed internet play crucial roles, leading to substantial disparities between EU nations and even within urban and rural landscapes. Addressing this digital gap emerges as a critical imperative.

“Crucial aspects of everyday life such as education, financial services, healthcare, media and more become increasingly dependent on access to digital technologies. Lack of internet access and digital skills can easily relegate individuals to the margins of society," emphasizes Irina Kolupaieva.

While acknowledging that there's no one-size-fits-all recipe for the digital future, Irina Kolupaieva underscores the shared responsibility of all stakeholders. Policymakers, she believes, play a pivotal role in crafting strategies tailored to their country's unique circumstances. She also stresses the importance of such strategies focusing on sustainability and competitiveness, both on domestic and global fronts.

Irina Kolupaieva about her research at LiU

Organisation

Latest news from LiU

Florian Trybel

The collaboration pushing back the boundaries of physics

Theoretician Florian Trybel has an irreplaceable role in creating new materials. Together with his experimental research colleague in Scotland he aims to expand the possibilities of materials in extreme conditions.

Kaiqian Wang.

Discovery about pain signalling may contribute to better treatment

LiU researchers have pinpointed the exact location of a specific protein fine-tuning the strength of pain signals. The knowledge can be used to develop drugs for chronic pain that are more effective and have fewer side effects.

Associate professor Jonathan Josefsson against a grey sky.

Unequal conditions for young people at UN climate summits

Today, young people can participate in major UN climate conferences. But inequality and bureaucracy make this impossible for many. This is the conclusion of a study carried out at Linköping University.