What is digitisation?

Digitisation, is the process of converting analogue information (images, documents, sounds) into digital information. This makes it possible to store, manipulate and transmit information as efficiently as possible. Digital information can be stored on digital media such as hard disks or USB sticks. Digital information can be shared and exchanged very easily via the Internet or other digital networks.

Digitalisation is therefore the transformation of a business or industry with the aim of using digital technology to improve activities and processes. This includes, for example, the use of automated systems to manage data, the analysis of data to make informed decisions, online communication and collaboration, and the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to connect equipment and machines.

The emergence of digitisation

The emergence of digitisation began in the 1950s and 1960s, with the creation and development of the computer. The first computers were very expensive and relatively cumbersome machines. They were used by large companies and governments to solve complex calculations.

The 1970s and 1980s saw the development of computers, which became smaller and more affordable, and the emergence of new services and applications such as word-processing software, databases and video games.

In the 1990s, the Internet became a key technology, opening the way to new services and applications based on online communication. This enabled people to share information, communicate and collaborate remotely. It was at this point that the word digitalisation came to be used to describe the transformation of the economy and society.

The 2000s saw the development of smartphones and mobile data networks, leading to the emergence of mobile applications and online services that can be accessed from anywhere.

The benefits of digitisation

Improving efficiency and productivity

Computers and software enable data to be stored, processed and transmitted as efficiently and quickly as possible. This improves the productivity of businesses and organisations.

Access new services and information

Les réseaux de communication numériques et les services en ligne permettent aux personnes d’accéder à une large quantité d’informations et de services, quel que soit l’usage.

Automation of recurring tasks

Digitalisation is developing the automation of various repetitive tasks, freeing up time for the most important tasks.

Data analysis

Digitalisation makes it easier to collect, store and analyse data, enabling more informed decision-making and a better understanding of consumers, markets and trends.

Innovation

Digitalisation is breaking new ground in the development of new business models and new services characterised by the use of technology. It is also enabling the development of new products that were previously unthinkable.

Communication and collaboration

Digital networks are used to communicate and collaborate remotely, boosting the quality and speed of decision-making.

The challenges of digitisation

Impact on employment

In some cases, digitalisation is leading to the elimination of certain jobs while creating new ones. The jobs threatened by the development of digitisation are those that require few qualifications and whose tasks are usually recurrent.

Digital inequality

Access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) is currently very uneven, not least because they require certain skills to use them.

Violation of privacy

With the increasing collection and use of personal data, there are growing concerns about privacy and data security.

Targeted advertising

Targeted advertising is used by certain companies, which can pose ethical problems: these companies are not supposed to use information to target individuals, but only to target groups of individuals or types of behaviour.

Cybersecurity

The number of cyber attacks continues to increase with the rise of digitalisation, so businesses and individuals need to take the necessary steps to counter them.

Impact on the health

The excessive use of digital technologies, such as smartphones and computers, has negative effects on an individual’s physical and mental health.

Environmental impact

Digital technologies also have an impact on the environment: for example, electricity consumption and the production of electronic waste have a negative impact on the environment.