Digital development and new challenges introduced within the digital space are a relevant professional opportunity to enter into the labour market and to empower basic knowledge and carrier expertise. The prominence of male presence in this field, above all in top-ranking scientific and decision-making positions of public and private companies has been progressively tackled in order to encourage a more balanced and equitable participation of women as for digital skills and qualified working chances.

To facilitate this course and to achieve appropriate and positive results, a cultural shift is needed at first that could impact on the primary education and training for young generations, male and female students attending scientific-technological, engineering and mathematical (STEM) studies. This action should be based upon strategic and policy tools at the international and national level to promote this objective through an high quality approach. The consequent step is demanded to governmental authorities to strengthen legislative measures, yet in force or to be adopted, in order to counter under-representation and to push for a larger involvement of women's labour force to achieve strong economic and social benefits. The ICT sector is one of the most dynamic and profitable professional settings where the gender presence, especially in decision-making positions, could pave the way to increase the potential for research and development. In countries where the spread of scientific culture among students, the promotion of gender equality in the digital space as well as the advancement of women's careers have been encouraged, strong economic and social impact has been recorded proving the significance of legislative, programmatic and operational measures to accelerate this course and to link women and digital space opportunities.

The Special Issue is intended to collect data, information on legislative and policy measures, good practices, lessons learned, achievements, gaps and challenges recorded at the national, regional and international level – also according to a comparative perspective – in the field under reference.

Aims and Scope: