Digitalisation in the provision of social services: Rural counties perspective

Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia

Abstract

Digitisation affects all sectors of the economy, including social work. For social service providers (broadly speaking), it is both an opportunity and a challenge. The extent to which professionals manage the use of the digital space for social services has an impact on the accessibility and quality of services for end-users. Technology and innovative digital solutions create opportunities to tackle territorial inequalities and improve the quality of life of people living in rural areas. The provision of social services and assistance is an autonomous function of each municipality. Digital literacy is a component of human capital that includes skills in information flow, communication, safety, content creation, and problem solving in a digital environment. The article presents the results of a study on the digital literacy of social service providers working in rural areas of Latvia. The aim of the study is to find out the self-assessment of digital literacy, understanding, and attitudes towards digitalisation of social services among social service providers. The research instrument is based on the “Citizens’ Digital Competence Framework” (Digi Comp 2.1). The results of the study provide a basis for discussion not only on routine skills in the use of technical tools, but also on a deeper understanding of digitisation in the context of the emergence of a modern information society.