Key Takeaways:
- Hungary’s National Digitalisation Strategy 2021-2030, approved in 2021, is focused on four key pillars: digital infrastructure, digital skills, digital economy, and digital state.
- The strategy aims to cover 95% of households with gigabit networks, digitalise over 30% of business processes, and have 90% of inhabitants use e-government services by 2030.
- Measures to achieve these targets include comprehensive infrastructural, educational, and economic support, along with the development of a nationwide “Gigabit Hungary 2030” network program.
- The Superfast Internet Program (SZIP) aims to cover nearly 410,000 households with at least 30 Mbps broadband internet service by 2023.
- To support the digital transformation, Hungary is also encouraging the development of 5G networks, launching strategic agreements between service providers and the government.
The Vision: Hungary’s National Digitalisation Strategy 2021-2030
Approved in 2021, Hungary’s National Digitalisation Strategy aims to revolutionise the country’s internet infrastructure. The primary objective is to cover 95% of households with gigabit networks by 2030. But the strategy doesn’t stop at mere network coverage. It has a comprehensive vision that extends to digital skills, digitisation of business processes, and increased use of e-government services.
By 2030, Hungary aims to ensure that less than 2% of people in the 16-71 age group lack digital skills. The digitalisation strategy also sets the ambitious goal of ensuring more than 30% of processes in businesses are digitalised, and 90% of inhabitants use e-government services.
Driving the Digital Transformation
A network of organisations including the Ministry of Technology and Industry, the Governmental Information Technology Development Agency (KIFÜ), the National Media Infocommunications Authority, and the Ministry of Interior are all key players driving this transformation.
To accomplish its ambitious goals, the strategy outlines a variety of measures including infrastructural, educational, and economic support.
Gigabit Networks and Broadband Development
The development of gigabit networks forms a crucial part of the digital infrastructure expansion. To make this a reality, Hungary is planning and implementing a nationwide “Gigabit Hungary 2030” network development programme connected to 5G. This initiative aims to provide internet connections with speeds of at least 1 Gbps by the end of the decade.
The strategy also includes a thorough review of the infrastructure and network sharing under competition law, regulation of access to optical and radio networks, transposition of the European Electronic Communications Code into national law, and revision of the rules for the construction of telecommunication networks.
Superfast Internet Program: Taking Broadband to Every Household
One of the key initiatives driving Hungary’s digital transformation is the Superfast Internet Programme (SZIP). Financed by EU Structural Funds, SZIP aims to cover almost 410,000 households with at least 30 Mbps broadband internet service by 2023. By the end of 2020, almost a quarter of a million households were covered by at least 30 Mbps broadband through the SZIP.
Towards a 5G Future
Recognising the critical role of 5G networks in the digital future, Hungary is also focusing on encouraging the development of 5G networks. Actions include strengthening and expanding the activities of the 5G Coalition, launching strategic agreements between service providers and the government to accelerate technological developments, and contribution to the construction of EU 5G corridors.
Bridging the Digital Divide: Enhancing Digital Skills
The strategy also recognises the importance of digital literacy in the modern world. As part of this initiative, the strategy aims to ensure that less than 2% of people in the 16-71 age group lack digital skills by 2030. This is a crucial step in bridging the digital divide and ensuring that everyone can benefit from the digital transformation.
The Digital Economy and eGovernment
The strategy acknowledges the profound impact of digital technologies on the economy. It sets the target of ensuring that more than 30% of processes in businesses are digitalised by 2030. It also seeks to enhance the use of e-government services, with the goal of having 90% of inhabitants use these services by 2030.
Final Thoughts
Hungary’s National Digitalisation Strategy 2021-2030 sets a clear and ambitious roadmap for transforming the country’s digital landscape. From the development of gigabit networks and 5G to enhancing digital skills and digitising businesses, Hungary’s commitment to digital transformation offers valuable lessons for other nations on the path to a digital future.
While it’s still early days, Hungary’s ongoing efforts are a positive sign of the country’s commitment to digitalisation. By 2030, we can expect a radically transformed digital Hungary that is prepared to thrive in the digital age.
The journey to digital transformation is often complex and fraught with challenges, but with a clear vision and robust strategy, Hungary is well-positioned to overcome these obstacles and pioneer a digital future. The digital world will be keenly watching Hungary’s progress in the years to come.
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