When discussing the future of Europe’s digital economy, we often think of artificial intelligence, blockchain, or quantum computing. However, the real drivers of change are people – especially the younger generation, who will soon determine how technology is used, shaped, and shared.
The Young Values Report 2022, prepared by the Perspektywy Education Foundation together with the Citi Handlowy Leopold Kronenberg Foundation, provides a unique opportunity to examine Generation Z (those born between 1996 and 2010) and their relationship with work, leadership, equality, ecology, and, above all, technology.
Technology: Excitement Meets Uncertainty
The study shows that young people are enthusiastic about technology:
- Almost 70% feel confident navigating the digital world.
- More than 60% describe themselves as technology enthusiasts.
- They use cloud solutions, instant messaging, biometric security, online banking, and phone payments daily, and most of them enjoy these tools.
What is striking, however, is the contrast between familiar everyday tools and emerging technologies. While Gen Z confidently uses what is already mainstream, interest in future-oriented fields – such as 5G, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, the metaverse, autonomous vehicles, or quantum computing – remains surprisingly low. Only about 10% of respondents say they know a lot about these technologies. This suggests that the very generation expected to shape Europe’s digital future may not feel fully prepared to do so.
Women in Technology: Breaking Stereotypes, Facing Barriers
One of the most important findings of the report – and directly relevant to the HER TECH project – concerns gender.
The data strongly contradict the old stereotype that women are less interested in technology. In fact, young women are often more likely than men to use and enjoy existing technologies such as messaging apps or online tools. However, when it comes to advanced or future-oriented fields, self-declared confidence shifts towards men.
At the same time, women are far more active in seeking opportunities to learn. They attend conferences, participate in online training, and watch YouTube tutorials twice as often as their male peers. This suggests that the issue is not a lack of curiosity or ambition, but rather a confidence gap shaped by gender stereotypes. In other words, women want to grow, but the system does not always encourage them to see themselves as digital pioneers.
A Generation Ready to Shape the Future – If We Let Them
The report also reveals a fascinating paradox. Around 60% of Gen Z believe they will play a role in developing new technologies, leaving a striking 40% who do not see themselves as active participants in shaping the future. This is a warning sign: without support, mentoring, and role models, many talented young people – especially women – may choose to remain on the margins of innovation rather than at its centre.
This is precisely why projects like HER TECH are so important. They create pathways for women not only to enter the ICT sector but also to lead in emerging fields. By combining skills development, mentorship, and visibility, HER TECH works to ensure that the energy and enthusiasm of young women translate into real impact in technology and society.
Beyond Technology: Values That Matter
The Young Values Report is broader than just technology. It also explores labour market expectations, leadership styles, ecological awareness, experiences of discrimination, and the impact of the pandemic. What emerges is a picture of a generation that values stability at work, cares about equality and sustainability, but often doubts its own agency to change the world.
For HER TECH, this is another crucial message: if young people – especially young women – are to step into ICT careers with confidence, they need not only skills but also the belief that their voices matter.
Why This Matters for the Future of ICT
The European ICT sector is growing rapidly, yet women still make up less than 20% of its workforce. The shortage of digital talent is one of the biggest challenges facing the economy. The Young Values Report shows clearly: women are eager, curious, and already deeply engaged with technology – but they still encounter barriers that prevent them from moving from users to innovators.
HER TECH exists to change this trajectory. By connecting research insights with practical action, the project helps ensure that the next wave of innovation is not only digitally advanced, but also inclusive, diverse, and fair.
The future of technology will not be written by algorithms alone. It will be written by the young women and men who decide how these algorithms are used. Thanks to reports like Young Values and initiatives like HER TECH, we can ensure that future is shaped by all voices – not just a few.
Read the report: https://womenintech.perspektywy.org/en/reports
