Manage your digital identity, surf the network, recognise fake news, make calls or video calls, make online purchases, use your banking services, the IO App or access the Register of the Resident Population: these are some of the activities that will engage “digital facilitators” throughout Italy thanks to the National Network of Facilitation Points, the initiative promoted by the Department for the Digital Transformation of the Presidency of the Council to enhance the skills and digital inclusion of at least 2 million citizens by 2026. The project is part of Mission 1 of the NRRP and is intended to support sections of the population most exposed to the risks of the digital cultural divide that currently distances Italy from the European average and sees only 46 % of the population possessing basic digital skills, compared to 54 % of the EU average. With the support of the Department for Digital Transformation, all regions signed the Operational Plans. Local authorities, third sector authorities and municipalities will now be involved through regional calls, with the support of in-houses, for the opening of facilitation points throughout the Italian territory. With the signing of the Operational Plans by all the Regions, we are entering into the heart of a fundamental project for the digitalisation of the country. Thanks to the resources of the PNR, which for this measure provides 135 million euros, the goal is to create 3,000 presìdi throughout Italy, both physical and itinerant, to spread digital culture, counter the digital divide and promote the inclusion of the most fragile categories. From the use of the IO App to the Digital Register, but also tax obligations or online purchases. Thanks to the work of the facilitators we aim to increase the basic digital skills of 2 million citizens by 2026″ comments the Undersecretary with responsibility for technological innovation, Alessio Butti. The project The project, worth 135 million euros, provides for the realisation of 3,000 Digital Facilitation Points in the territory by the 21 Regions and Autonomous Provinces. The aim is to increase digital skills to promote the autonomous, conscious and responsible use of new technologies, to promote the full enjoyment of the rights of active digital citizenship and to encourage the use of online services, simplifying the relationship between citizens and Public Administration. The services provided at a “Digital Easy” Point At the Facilitation Points citizens will be trained by digital facilitators, who can be civil servants or third sector operators. In order to allow all facilitators to perform their role in the best possible way, the Department has provided training courses aimed at developing the specific skills needed. At the Digital Facilitation Points, citizens will be able to receive help to access the digital services of the Public Administration, such as the IO App, the pagoPA platform, the National Register of Resident Population and the Electronic Health File, but they will also receive practical and dedicated support on other services, such as pre-filled tax returns, the subscription for local public transport, social security or welfare services. The initiative includes activities aimed at achieving the basic level of digital skills in the population required for work, personal development, social inclusion and active citizenship, as defined by the European DigComp model. Original article published on innovation.gov.it on 8.6.2023
Source: European Digital Skills & Jobs Platform
