The latest edition of the imec.digimeter maps out how Flanders is digitalizing. From smartphones to AI, from the digital divide to changing media habits—the numbers don’t lie. But what do these trends mean for governments, healthcare institutions, and organisations in the public and non-profit sector?
We’ve summarized the key insights for you and translated them into concrete points of attention for your digital operations.
1. The smartphone is king
For people in Flanders, the smartphone is by far the most important device:
- 66% handle their finances via an app
- 63% shop online every month
- 94% own a smartphone
Digital services are primarily accessed via smartphones. Governments and public institutions need to embrace this.
👉 Mobile-friendly websites, clear navigation, and fast loading times are not a bonus—they are essential.
2. The digital divide is smaller, but still real
Almost everyone has internet access, but that doesn’t mean everyone can fully participate:
- 1 in 5 people in Flanders have too few devices or inadequate internet speeds
- Financial constraints create barriers—especially for young adults and people with lower incomes
👉 Keep investing in hybrid service delivery: combine digital tools with physical counters, phone support, or printed communication.
3. AI is beeing used, but raises questions
28% of people in Flanders already use generative AI, such as ChatGPT. That number is rising quickly, especially among young people and those with higher education. At the same time, there are concerns about privacy, reliability, and control.
👉 Governments and healthcare institutions shouldn’t lag behind, but they should be transparent with AI. Experiment, but clearly communicate the how and why.
4. Communication = visuals + channel choice
Live television is losing ground. People in Flanders are watching:
- Through streaming services (SVOD/BVOD)
- Social media like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube
- News websites
For younger generations, visual and mobile content is the standard.
👉 Think carefully about how you present your message: video, infographics, short-form content. And distribute it across multiple channels.
5. Not every citizen is a digital expert
The digimeter identifies five ‘profiles’ of digital users. The differences are significant:
- Some people embrace everything digital
- Others still have a love-hate relationship with it, or feel excluded
👉 Know your audience. Tailor your digital strategy to different groups, not everyone has the same needs or skills.
In conclusion: digitalisation with the end user in mind
What does the 2024 digimeter really show? Digitisation is advancing, but it takes more than just technology. User-friendliness, inclusion, and trust are key to a successful approach.
At Paddle.be, we guide public and non-profit organisations through this digital evolution, with a CMS tailored to the sector, and with attention to your citizens, patients, volunteers, or visitors.
🤝 Ready to improve your digital services together?
Request a free demo or analysis via Paddle.be – we're happy to think along with you.