This is combined with an entrepreneurial and risk-taking spirit which feeds on very dynamic capital markets. The result was the rapid Internet growth and the development of Internet services. US Internet penetration is far above of the European average. According to a study of the University of Texas, over one third of today's Internet businesses didn't exist in 1996. Not to mention the considerable indirect impact on employment.
Internet usage is in average low, but picking up steadily.
But the starting level is lower. Still, some European countries are doing even better than the US, namely the Nordic countries. But lasting inequalities between European countries are a matter of concern. Decisive steps should therefore be taken to promote take-up. It is not too late.