Digital Society

The ubiquity of all things digital has accelerated over the last 20 years and continues to grow exponentially. The digital society brings many benefits as well as problems, and action is required to solve them.

RAND Europe supports public and private sector decision makers in harnessing the benefits of the new information economy. We also help policymakers identify and respond to technology's challenges.

Featured Research

Selected Research

  • Futuristic digital business cryptocurrency candle chart, illustration by Eduard Muzhevskyi/Adobe Stock

    Exploring the criminal use of Zcash and cryptocurrencies

    While most transactions made with virtual coins are legitimate, cryptocurrencies have also been used for criminal purposes. Researchers found no evidence of widespread illicit use of Zcash, but that may be because malicious users do not fully understand its operating model.

  • Abstract globe with blue lights and networks, photo by imaginima/Getty Images

    Measuring migration using big data

    Social media data may help decisionmakers to 'nowcast' migration flows and stocks of migrants. A team of researchers attempted to develop a method of measuring real-time mobility and migration. The results of the study were promising.

  • Medical health care science innovation concept, illustration by Panuwat/Adobe Stock

    How does the pharmaceutical industry reuse health data?

    Several important factors can support or hinder the reuse of pharmaceutical data in the EU, including the availability, interoperability and quality of data; data analytic skills and experience; and the presence of clear and uniform regulations.

  • Young adults using smartphones at university college backyard break

    Tackling the challenges of algorithm-driven social media

    Improving consumers' media literacy could reduce their vulnerability to disinformation. Researchers propose a behavioural science experiment to encourage people to be more aware of their own online behaviour

  • Innovation and communication-focused society concept, photo by Hurca!/Adobe Stock

    How technology may change services sectors

    Researchers explored how 'game-changing' tech like robotics, autonomous transport, blockchain, virtual and augmented reality, and wearable devices will impact the EU's services sectors, and their wider socio-economic implications.

  • Tablet pc with healthcare mobile apps, and medical objects on a desk

    Benchmarking deployment of eHealth among European GPs

    RAND Europe and partners measured the use of ICT and eHealth applications by primary care physicians in the EU 28 Member States and Norway, compared the results with a 2013 study, and analysed the main drivers of change and factors that can enhance or inhibit the role and use of technologies within health care.

  • World map and technology concept, photo by ivanastar/Getty Images

    Case studies provide lessons in oversight of emerging S&T

    Ten case studies examine science and technology oversight around the world. Based on these studies, researchers compiled a list of lessons for policymakers and stakeholders interested in encouraging and enabling emerging technology.

  • Hand silhouette working on a laptop keyboard

    Social media in Africa presents double-edged sword

    The spread of social media in Africa has brought many economic and political benefits, while also equipping terrorist groups with a tool for recruitment and propaganda. Researchers examined the links between social media use and online radicalisation in six African countries, drawing on primary Twitter data analysis.