The White Paper on women in the technological field gives visibility and analyzes the gap that exists between men and women in the ICT sector, in order to serve as a guide to public authorities when proposing effective measures to address inequalities.

One of the main topics addressed is the situation of the digital gender gap between men and women, as well as its evolution in the coming years. The INE defines the digital gender gap such as the difference in the percentage of men and women in ICT indicators (internet use in the last three months, frequent internet use, internet purchases). Given the blurred reality that this term presents, the white paper warns of the existence of a "second digital gender gap", where differences between sexes are not based on the use or access to ICT, but on skills and tools. digital (digital skills) that determine the effective use of technology.

In terms of data, the book shows a worrying reality in which, in 2020, Europe could face a shortage of almost 900,000 professionals in the ICT sector. Given the potential, the lack of women is striking, since only 30% of the 7 million people who work in the ICT sector at European level are women. Education plays a fundamental role in this reality, since only 12% of students in degrees linked to ICT in Spain are women. This situation leaves our country below the OECD average (19%).

The potential for reversal of this reality is total, since the European Union estimates that if more women accessed jobs related to new technologies, it would create additional growth in the community economy of 16 billion euros annually.

Faced with this future challenge, the Spanish Network of Smart Cities, through its Working Group of Social Innovation, addresses the importance of equality between men and women who work in technological management within the public sector, which should serve as the main example for other sectors facing a future where ICT will be in the daily life of cities. .