The Context
In an increasingly digital society, access to technology and digital skills has become key for participation in education, employment, public services, and social life. In France, despite widespread connectivity and a well-developed digital infrastructure, digital inclusion remains uneven, with gaps affecting specific population groups and reinforcing existing social inequalities.
Internet use is now widespread, with more than 95 % of the population online, yet effective participation in the digital world is not universal. While connectivity has largely been achieved, a significant number of people still struggle to use digital tools with confidence and autonomy, remaining partially or fully excluded from the opportunities offered by digital transformation.
These disparities are visible across age groups and socio-economic contexts. Older adults are among those most affected, often facing difficulties linked to limited exposure, lack of training, or reduced familiarity with digital technologies. As essential services and information increasingly move online, these challenges can translate into isolation, facilitating access to rights and services. At the same time, individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds may encounter financial barriers or fewer opportunities to develop digital competencies, further widening existing inequalities.
This skills gap is confirmed by recent European monitoring. According to the Digital Decade report (2024), around 59.7 % of the population possesses at least basic digital skills. While this places France slightly above the European Union average, more than four in ten people still lack essential digital competencies, limiting their ability to fully benefit from digital innovation.
Addressing the digital divide, therefore, goes beyond expanding infrastructure alone. It requires inclusive and targeted approaches that combine access to technology with training, support, and long-term accompaniment, ensuring that digital progress strengthens social cohesion and equal opportunities rather than deepening existing divides.
ST Foundation’s Presence
The ST Foundation has been active in France since 2009, initially focusing on digital inclusion through ICB courses to support the social and professional integration of vulnerable groups, including immigrants and job seekers.
Over time, its presence has evolved to address a broader range of social needs and reach an increasingly diverse audience. In 2025, under the coordination of a newly appointed Country Manager, activities were further structured around three key priorities: strengthening core digital training initiatives, expanding access to digital equipment, and reinforcing partnerships with local organizations to enhance overall impact.
The Digital Unify Program remained at the core of these efforts, with ICB courses and DU Labs providing underserved populations with access to technology and essential digital skills. By the end of 2025, 7 DU Labs were active in collaboration with partner organizations, delivering 16 ICB courses and training 126 beneficiaries, while new partnerships expanded the network across several regions.
In parallel, digital equipment donations continued to play a key role. In 2025 alone, approximately 300 PCs and smartphones were provided to schools and local associations, benefiting more than 1,800 people. Since the initiative’s launch, over 2,700 devices have been given a second life, combining environmental responsibility with digital inclusion.
The Foundation also strengthened its presence in the local ecosystem through partnerships with NGOs and participation in national events, thereby reinforcing its role as a trusted actor in digital inclusion.
Since 2009, more than 1,600 people have been reached through the program, highlighting a steady and long-term commitment to digital inclusion.
