About the project
Dimensions of digital exclusion and inclusion in the Republic of Croatia
DIGI-HR is an institutional research project at the Faculty of Croatian Studies. The project is led by Assistant Professor Erik Brezovec, PhD.
Project overview
The project explores how the conditions for digital inclusion or exclusion emerge in contemporary Croatian society, with a particular focus on mechanisms that reproduce patterns of access to digital resources and communication within different social systems.
The theoretical framework draws on Luhmann’s social systems theory, enabling an analysis of the functional connections between social subsystems and the role of digital technology as a medium of their integration. By analysing organisational, communicative and normative structures, the project aims to identify groups at risk of digital exclusion.
By combining quantitative, qualitative and spatial methods (GIS analysis), the project offers multidimensional insight into patterns of digital inclusion and exclusion. It actively contributes to inclusive policies that strengthen social cohesion and reduce structural inequalities in the digital sphere.
Project aim
Overall aim
To investigate how the conditions for digital inclusion and exclusion emerge and are reproduced daily in contemporary Croatian society — by analysing social mechanisms of access, identifying vulnerable groups, their experiences and digital competences, and exploring opportunities for inclusion through lifelong learning programmes.
Specific objectives
- Identify how digital inclusion and exclusion are (re)produced in Croatian society.
- Map vulnerable groups at risk of exclusion from key social systems.
- Assess digital competence levels among the identified vulnerable groups.
- Understand subjective experiences and meanings of digital inclusion and exclusion.
- Develop and implement a lifelong learning programme tailored to each group.
Work packages
Project phases
Six interconnected phases, progressing from institutional and empirical analysis to the development of practical educational interventions.
- 01
Institutional analysis
Mapping public services, strategic documents and digital policies that shape citizens’ access to and communication with institutions.
- 02
Quantitative phase
A representative survey across Croatia, alongside research with public service employees and decision-makers.
- 03
Qualitative phase
Semi-structured interviews and focus groups with members of vulnerable groups — understanding subjective experiences of inclusion and exclusion.
- 04
Digital competence assessment
Standardised assessment and validation of digital competences among the identified vulnerable groups.
- 05
GIS analysis and mapping
Developing interactive risk maps and an online dashboard visualising digital inclusion indices by county.
- 06
Lifelong learning programme
Developing and implementing educational interventions tailored to each vulnerable group, in cooperation with relevant experts.