Economic Thought and Practice, , 2026.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.17818/EMIP/2026/16
DETERMINANTS OF DIGITAL SKILLS USE: EVIDENCE FROM CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE
Marija Bečić
orcid.org/0000-0001-8361-2675
; University of Dubrovnik, Faculty of Economics and Business
*
Perica Vojinić
orcid.org/0000-0001-8027-4711
; University of Dubrovnik, Faculty of Economics and Business
Ante Zdilar
orcid.org/0000-0001-9411-3409
; University of Dubrovnik, Faculty of Economics and Business
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Digital transformation is reshaping labour market structures and increasing the importance of digital skills as a key component of human capital. This paper examines the determinants of digital skills use in eight Central and Eastern European countries (Croatia, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia). It uses data from the PIAAC survey released in December 2024 and applies a GSEM model. The findings show that countries such as Czechia and Estonia significantly outperform Croatia in employees’ digital skill levels. Higher education and employment in larger firms are associated with a greater likelihood of using more advanced digital skills. Gender differences remain evident, particularly in more demanding digital tasks.
Keywords
digital skills; human capital; PIAAC; Central and Eastern Europe
Hrčak ID:
346026
URI
Publication date:
7.4.2026.
Visits: 399 *