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Good practice Imported

Digitaal.Talent@Gent

Belgium · Ghent · Local · See the Belgium profile · See the Ghent profile

Evidence: Descriptive / self-reported Top 83% 36/100 · Ask Evidence Copilot about this practice

Since 2006 DTG has been working to narrow the digital divide and has set up projects that focus on the growing importance of digital access, skills and e-inclusion. Together with the local stakeholders, DTG makes digital access and knowledge no longer a privilege for the advantag

70+ locations
Digital Talent Point locations across Ghent
100+ devices
Devices available via Digipolis Lending Service

Details

Maturity
Established
Promoter
City of Ghent — website
Type
System
Status
Ongoing
Target groups
People with disabilities, Elderly people, Marginalised young people and children, Unemployed and those facing social problems
Period
2006-01-01
Region (NUTS)
BE23
Keywords
e-inclusion, independence, disadvantaged neighbourhoods, training, digital skills

Context

Since 2006, the City of Ghent's Digitaal.Talent@Gent (DTG) programme has worked to narrow the digital divide in Ghent, Belgium, targeting people with disabilities, elderly people, marginalised young people and children, and unemployed or socially disadvantaged residents, as part of the city's ambition to be an inclusive Smart City.

Objectives

To ensure that digital access, skills and knowledge are no longer a privilege of advantaged communities, enabling all citizens to participate fully in today's information society and strengthening their independence.

Activities

Core components include the Digital Talent Point, offering free computer and internet access at more than 70 locations across Ghent (public libraries, senior centres, youth clubs and local service centres), some with training sessions and volunteer support; an annual Digital Week multimedia event; the Digipolis Lending Service, which lends out more than 100 digital devices to organisations running e-inclusion projects; and Together Media Wise, which connects people with mental disabilities to digital tools, alongside further projects for children and grandparents.

Implementation
Indicative cost
High (€500k–€5M)
Time to results
Long (> 3 years)
Staffing & skills
City of Ghent programme staff, Digipolis (city digital agency), Social Welfare Services, Volunteers at some Digital Talent Point locations

Conditions for success

  • City-wide network of accessible community locations (libraries, senior centres, youth clubs, local service centres)
  • Partnership between city departments, the digital agency Digipolis, and social welfare services
  • Device-lending infrastructure to lower access barriers for partner organisations

Where it fits

Governance type
municipal/city government-led
Scale
city-wide (Ghent, 70+ locations)

Commonly funded by

ESF+ — European Social Fund Plus National / regional programmes

Indicative funding routes for practices of this type — always check each programme's current calls and eligibility rules.

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Data sources

Where this practice's information was retrieved from, and when.

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