The Digital Conversion of Enterprises in 2024: A Deep Dive into ICT Usage and E-Commerce Trends
The digital landscape for enterprises in 2024 has reached unprecedented heights, with nearly 97.9% of enterprises (employing 10 or more employees) utilizing the internet for business purposes, according to a recent survey by the National Statistics Office (NSO). This marks a meaningful milestone in the integration of technology into everyday business operations, showcasing the growing reliance on digital tools across industries.
Internet Usage Across Enterprises
Table of Contents
- Unlocking Growth Through Digital Infrastructure and Employee Training: A 2024 Perspective
The survey revealed that 82,254 employees used the internet for business purposes in 2024,with enterprises across all economic activities and size classes reporting high levels of internet adoption. Though, sectors like Construction and Wholesale and Retail Trade lagged slightly behind, registering lower shares of internet usage compared to other industries.
Remote Access and Security Measures
The shift towards remote work continued to dominate in 2024, with 91.2% of enterprises providing remote access to their employees. Nearly all of these organizations enabled access to their email systems, while 90% allowed employees to retrieve documents remotely.
This surge in remote access, however, has heightened the risk of ICT-related security incidents. To combat these threats, 93.9% of enterprises implemented robust security measures. The most common practices included authentication via strong passwords (90.5%) and data backups in separate locations (83.8%).
E-Commerce Sales on the Rise
E-commerce has become a cornerstone of business growth, with the national share of enterprises conducting sales through e-commerce surpassing the EU-27 average by nearly 11 percentage points. In 2024, the number of enterprises engaging in e-commerce increased by 2.1 percentage points compared to 2023, generating a total turnover of €2.9 billion.interestingly, EDI-type sales accounted for 53.5% of total e-commerce sales,while 78.3% of turnover from e-commerce web sales was conducted through enterprises’ own websites or apps.
Digital Intensity Index
The Digital Intensity Index (DII) highlighted the varying levels of digital adoption among enterprises.Nearly 50% of enterprises achieved a ‘high’ or ‘very high’ DII rating, with sectors like Real Estate, Professional Services, Accommodation and Food Services, and Transport and Dialog leading the way.
Key Insights at a Glance
| Metric | 2024 Data |
|———————————|—————————————-|
| Internet Usage by Enterprises | 97.9% |
| Employees Using Internet | 82,254 |
| Remote Access Provision | 91.2% |
| ICT Security Measures | 93.9% |
| E-Commerce Turnover | €2.9 billion |
| EDI-Type Sales Share | 53.5% |
| High/Very high DII Enterprises | 50% |
The road Ahead
The findings underscore the critical role of digital transformation in driving business success. As enterprises continue to embrace ICT tools and e-commerce platforms,the focus must remain on enhancing cybersecurity measures and fostering innovation to stay competitive in an increasingly digital world.
For businesses looking to thrive in this evolving landscape, investing in digital infrastructure and employee training will be key. Explore how your enterprise can leverage these trends to unlock new opportunities and drive growth.
What steps is your institution taking to adapt to the digital revolution? Share your insights and join the conversation on the future of enterprise technology.
Unlocking Growth Through Digital Infrastructure and Employee Training: A 2024 Perspective
In 2024, the digital change landscape has reached new heights, with enterprises across industries leveraging advanced technologies to drive growth and innovation. According to recent data, nearly 97.9% of enterprises with 10 or more employees are using the internet for business purposes, highlighting the critical role of digital infrastructure and employee training in staying competitive.In this interview, Senior Editor Clara Thompson of world-today-news.com sits down with Dr. Elena Moreno,a leading expert in digital transformation,to explore how businesses can harness these trends to unlock new opportunities and thrive in the digital age.
Internet Usage and Digital Adoption in Enterprises
Clara Thompson:
Dr.Moreno, the data shows that internet usage among enterprises has become nearly universal in 2024. What does this mean for businesses, especially those in sectors like Construction and Wholesale and Retail Trade, which have lagged slightly behind?
Dr. Elena Moreno:
Universal internet adoption is a clear indicator of how deeply technology has permeated business operations. For lagging sectors,this presents both a challenge and an possibility. Investing in digital tools and infrastructure can help these industries streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance customer engagement. The key is to recognize that digital adoption isn’t just about using the internet—it’s about integrating technology into every aspect of the business to create value.[[1]]
Remote Work and Cybersecurity Challenges
Clara thompson:
With 91.2% of enterprises offering remote access to employees, the risks of ICT-related security incidents have increased. What steps can businesses take to protect their digital assets while enabling flexible work?
Dr. Elena Moreno:
Remote work is here to stay, but it requires a robust approach to cybersecurity. Enterprises are already implementing measures like strong password authentication and data backups in separate locations. However, businesses must go beyond these basics. Adopting zero-trust security models, conducting regular employee training on cybersecurity best practices, and investing in advanced threat detection tools are essential to mitigate risks. Remember, security is not just a technical issue—it’s a cultural one that requires ongoing awareness and vigilance.[[2]]
E-commerce as a Growth Driver
Clara Thompson:
E-commerce has become a cornerstone of business growth, with enterprises generating €2.9 billion in turnover in 2024. What strategies can businesses use to maximize their e-commerce potential?
Dr. Elena Moreno:
E-commerce is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. Businesses should focus on optimizing their own websites and apps, as these account for 78.3% of e-commerce turnover.Additionally, leveraging tools like EDI-type sales can help streamline transactions and improve efficiency. Personalization, mobile optimization, and seamless user experiences are also critical to capturing and retaining customers. integrating e-commerce platforms with back-end systems ensures better inventory management and customer service.[[3]]
Scaling Digital Intensity and Infrastructure
Clara Thompson:
Nearly 50% of enterprises achieved a ‘high’ or ‘very high’ digital Intensity Index rating in 2024.How can businesses scale their digital infrastructure to match this level of adoption?
Dr. elena Moreno:
Scaling digital infrastructure requires a strategic approach. Businesses should start by assessing their current capabilities and identifying gaps. Cloud computing, such as, offers scalable and flexible solutions that can grow with the business. additionally, investing in employee training ensures that teams can effectively use these tools. Collaboration with technology partners and staying updated on emerging trends like AI and IoT can also help businesses maintain a competitive edge. The goal is to create a future-ready infrastructure that supports innovation and growth.[[1]]
The Role of Employee Training in Digital Transformation
Clara Thompson:
You’ve emphasized the importance of employee training several times. Why is it so critical, and how can businesses ensure their training programs are effective?
Dr. Elena Moreno:
Employee training is the backbone of successful digital transformation. Without a skilled workforce,even the most advanced technologies fall short. Effective training programs should be ongoing, tailored to specific roles, and aligned with business goals.Incorporating hands-on learning, leveraging e-learning platforms, and encouraging a culture of continuous improvement are key.It’s also critically important to measure the impact of training through metrics like productivity, innovation, and employee satisfaction. When employees feel confident and empowered, thay become drivers of digital success.[[2]]
Conclusion
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, enterprises must prioritize investments in digital infrastructure and employee training to stay competitive. From enhancing cybersecurity to maximizing e-commerce potential, the opportunities for growth are immense. By adopting a strategic and proactive approach, businesses can not only navigate the challenges of digital transformation but also unlock new avenues for success. Let’s continue this conversation and explore how your enterprise can leverage these trends to drive innovation and growth in the years to come.
