Technology access for poor households in six European countries after Covid-19 pandemic crisis

The growing importance of technology diffusion and digitalization processes in the global economy has accelerated further in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, this diffusion varies according to socioeconomic context and different types of technology. This study analyzes the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the digitalization process of poor households, focusing on Internet access and computer ownership. To this end, we implement a Probit model with a difference-in-differences approach using EU-SILC data for six European countries. The analysis considers several socioeconomic factors and household characteristics, also examining heterogeneity across countries and equivalised income deciles. We find a significant positive association between lack of digitalization and poverty. Covid-19 is confirmed as a driver of digitalization. Its effect on the economically struggling population depends on the technology considered: it is accentuated for Internet connection, while it is almost zero for computer ownership.