Dimensions of Digitalisation of Social Policy in Austria
A Conceptual Contribution to the Discussion
Based on relevant literature, this paper deals with dimensions of digitalisation and their relevance for social policy in Austria. Compared to other contributions, which analyse possible responses of the welfare state to digitalisation in production and on the labour market, the focus is also on forms of digitalisation in (welfare) state action itself and how these dimensions are related to social inequality. Four dimensions are discussed: 1. digitalisation of citizens' applications for welfare allowances and political participation, 2. data and policy evaluation, 3. communication, 4. possibilities for the welfare state to react to the digitalisation of production. The paper concludes with selected suggestions for future research.