Andorra Excels in Digital Access but Lags in Skills for Vulnerable Groups
A new survey reveals near-universal internet access in Andorra, yet significant digital skill gaps persist among older residents, low-income families, and those with limited education. Businesses lead in AI but SMEs trail.
Key Points
- 96% of Andorra citizens use internet daily; 79% have basic digital skills, nearing 2030 targets.
- Businesses at 25% AI adoption, third in EU; large firms lead while SMEs at 24% with few ICT staff.
- Only 40% of 66-74-year-olds and 45% low-income have basic skills; government launches training plans.
- Digital strategy includes AI workshops, free platforms, and SME support to close gaps.
Andorra leads Europe in internet connectivity and AI adoption but faces challenges closing digital skill gaps for SMEs and vulnerable groups, according to the 2026 Digital Divide Study.
The report, based on 2024 data from 800 residents and 678 companies, shows 96% of citizens use the internet daily. Online banking reaches 84% and e-commerce 70%, while 79% have basic digital skills—close to the 2030 target. Businesses report 25% AI usage, up from 17% in 2022, placing Andorra third in the EU. Advanced technologies, such as cloud services, appear in 38% of firms.
Large companies drive progress: all use AI and employ ICT specialists, with IT budgets rising to €5 million from €3 million four years ago. In contrast, SMEs—which form 80-90% of the business landscape—lag at 24% AI adoption and 12% with ICT staff. The primary sector shows the lowest digitalization levels overall.
Skill disparities hit vulnerable citizens hardest. Only 40% of those aged 66-74 have basic competencies, compared to 94% of high earners. Low-income groups reach 45%, while just 28% of people without formal education qualify. Internet use remains high at 100% for 18-29-year-olds but falls to 83.5% among those 65 and older; recent three-month figures hit 97.6%, mostly via mobiles at 98.2%.
Andorra Digital Director David Vicente highlighted the 2023-2027 Digital Transformation Strategy's focus on universal service access and minimum skills. The agency collaborates with senior associations and plans SME support, including AI workshops, primary sector training for quality gains and cost savings, and ICT professional development.
Responses include the Digital Welfare Plan and 2026-2027 Training Plan with 16 measures—seven completed, six in progress, three pending. These feature a citizen portal, secure usage guides, a free online training platform by year-end, newcomer assessments, public digitalization programs, business digitalization aid, AI and cybersecurity courses.
An El Periódic d'Andorra editorial warned of exclusion risks, advocating government training and non-digital alternatives to ensure broad benefits.
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