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PHOTO: Digital Croatia presented the results of research on digital transformation and competitiveness

How many Croatian citizens use the internet, do they consider internet access their right, and do they trust electronic applications are just some of the questions in the survey conducted as part of the research carried out by the association Digital Croatia.

The association was founded at the end of last year by DOK-ING, M+ Group, Tele2, and Uber with the aim of promoting new technologies and business models arising from their use. As they emphasize, they are aware that technology and the economy are not an end in themselves, but should enable people to have a better life, provide more affordable and accessible services that people need.

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– In recent years, everyone talks about digitalization, everyone refers to the needs of citizens, but few know what exactly citizens need and what they want. That is precisely why we conducted this research, said Đuro Lubura, Executive Director of the Association.

The research was conducted by the agency Promocija Plus on 800 adult citizens of the Republic of Croatia, which they emphasize is a sample that shows the interests and desires of citizens.

Internet usage

According to the survey results, 81 percent of citizens in Croatia use the internet, of which more than 70 percent use it daily, predominantly belonging to the age groups of 18 to 24 years and 25 to 35 years.

As many as 80 percent of citizens, from all age groups, believe that Croatia should transform into a digital society of the 21st century.

Interestingly, according to 86 percent of respondents, every citizen should have access to the internet with unlimited data at an acceptable price, which is a higher percentage than those who use the internet.

– People are ready to embrace new technologies; however, all market participants have the task of developing infrastructure. The message of this is primarily to the authorities – do not be afraid of bold decisions that will lead us in a progressive direction. Do not be afraid to simplify legislation so that the private sector can harness its potential and invest in digitalization, says Viktor Pavlinić, CEO of Tele2 and member of the Board of Digital Croatia.

Modernization of legislation

Lubura also warns that transformation will not be possible without the development of infrastructure and the promotion of market competition, and despite numerous positive shifts, Croatia still lags behind most EU countries as well as non-member countries.

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– In this sense, Digital Croatia will advocate and try to help all holders of state authority to change legislation in the simplest way so that business entities can provide services in accordance with the 21st century, emphasized Lubura.

Davor Tremac, General Manager of Uber for Southeast Europe and member of the Board of Digital Croatia, explained that people recognize what market competition brings, which are falling prices and rising employment.

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– Through the Association, we will continue to promote market competition in various industries, said Tremac.