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. Photographer: Teiksma Buseva
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.

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

Manlig forskare i labbmiljö.

Electric motors are transforming hydraulics

Electrifying hydraulics on, for example, an excavator can significantly improve efficiency. However, it requires major technical changes. Electric machines have different characteristics compared to combustion engines.

A man is standing outdoors on a bridge, speaking to several people.

Tomorrow’s urban planners solve real challenges

Students on master’s programme in Strategic Urban and Regional Planning do more than study how cities develop. They step straight into reality. By working on real cases in Norrköping, their ideas could help shape the city’s future.

EU-flagga

Roadmap to strengthen LiU:s role in Europe

LiU is increasing international presence by launching the Roadmap to Europe initiative. The aim is to deepen the university’s collaboration within Europe so as to strengthen education, research and collaboration with various stakeholders.