Research into regulations in the field of digital inclusion

The research, commissioned by Binnenlands Bestuur Vlaanderen, addresses the challenge of promoting digital inclusion as defined in the Equal Opportunities Decree. Digital inclusion ensures that every citizen can fully participate in an increasingly digital society, which relies on four key pillars: improving access to internet, hardware, and software; strengthening digital skills; creating accessible support networks; and making digital services user-friendly and inclusive. Previous studies reveal that Flemish policymakers have mainly relied on subsidies to advance these pillars, while regulatory instruments have been less frequently employed. Yet, combining different policy tools is crucial for addressing complex societal challenges.

The purpose of this study is to inspire and guide policymakers on how regulation can complement existing strategies for digital inclusion. To achieve this, the research will first map the current regulatory framework in Flanders related to digital inclusion. It will then conduct a comparative legal analysis of six international cases to identify best practices and lessons learned. Building on these insights, the study will formulate evidence-based recommendations on how regulatory instruments can be effectively deployed to strengthen digital inclusion in Flanders. The research will provide practical guidance and actionable strategies for integrating regulation into the Flemish digital inclusion agenda.