Measurement of Digital Dependence Measurement of Digital Dependence

The Digital Dependence Index (DDI) measures the dependence level on different technology sectors (e.g., hardware and software) of 23 countries. The primary indicators focus on ICT trade, communication infrastructures, and intellectual property, i.e., patents (see methodology). The level of dependence is scaled from low sensitivity to high vulnerability. This helps to understand the complexity of digital sovereignty and to explore the prospects of reducing digital dependence on foreign countries. This index aims to provide an empirical foundation to develop new strategic digital policies (see working paper). The DDI compares 23 dependence indicators based on three different data sets (see data sources). The DDI maps, country profiles and long-term trends demonstrate important aspects and dimensions of digital dependence. The digital dependence status of countries can be distinguished as follows: DDI scores between 0.5 and 1 indicate being more digital dependent; DDI scores between 0 and 0.5 indicate being less digital dependent, in other words, more autonomous.