What is Digitalization Strategy

Public investment into the availability of ICT infrastructure has been studied for decades to assess its effect on economic development and productivity growth. Whereas in the 1980s, this referred to the effects of telephones, since the 1990s it is the availability of internet connections, which is of great interest for politicians and policy makers alike. During the Covid-19 pandemic, social distancing has led to a transformation of work relations and the widespread introduction of work from home. Also, distance education as well as the increased importance of online streaming portals for leisure activities proved the necessity for fast broadband coverage and adoption. The authors investigate the degree of broadband coverage with a special focus on Austria and provide a survey on the economic benefits especially of high-speed internet connections for the economic development. The authors show to which extent Austria is using the full potential of fast and ultrafast internet connections and highlight the benefits for both firms and inhabitants in both rural and urban environments.