Abstract
The new wave of technological revolution in the fields of digital, information, and communication innovations began in the 1960s. As a result, the industrial era came to an end and was replaced by the post-industrial “information society.”
In Georgia, the intensive use of digital technologies began at the beginning of the new millennium. The government implemented important measures to improve access to digital technology services for state administration bodies, entrepreneurs, and citizens. A culture of citizen-oriented public services based on new technologies was introduced.
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have found wide application in the everyday activities of households. In 2005, only 21% of households in Georgia had access to the Internet; by 2008, this figure had increased to 42%, and by 2025 it reached 92%.
Despite certain achievements, there are still significant challenges in terms of the use of information and communication technologies in Georgia. Due to economic hardship, many households face problems with the physical accessibility of ICT tools. There remains inequality in ICT use between rural and urban households, as well as among different social segments. Vulnerable populations—such as the poor, persons with disabilities, women, and some socially disadvantaged groups, most of whom live in rural areas—use the Internet less frequently. Because of high costs and low profitability, Internet access is still incomplete in some regions of the country. Internet use is most frequent among young people, while a large part of the older population still lacks digital skills, which reduces their access to the Internet.
To overcome these shortcomings, it is essential to improve the population’s living standards, raise public awareness about the use of ICT, and promote broader social inclusion.
For the purpose of developing the digital economy and the information society, the Government of Georgia has developed the National Strategy for 2025–2030, which defines key priority areas. According to the strategy, all new public services must exist in digital form to ensure access for all segments of society. The goals defined in the strategy fully respond to the main challenges of developing the digital economy and the information society. It is expected that achieving the objectives outlined in the strategy will ensure the country’s digital transformation and promote socio-economic well-being.