Countries across Europe are increasingly embedding digital infrastructure and technologies into their education systems, transforming how we teach, learn and assess. From Education and Student Information Systems (ESIS/SIS) to Learning Management Systems (LMS) and artificial intelligence (AI), digital tools create powerful opportunities to enhance efficiency, connectivity and decision-making. Yet despite their benefits, they also raise critical questions around data protection, privacy and governance.

 

A new report from European Schoolnet, Agile collection of Information: School Digital infrastructure and education technologies – Insights from 17 education systems, offers a comprehensive overview of how countries across Europe are currently implementing, managing and experiencing this digital transformation within their schools. 

 

A survey of 17 European countries reveals a fragmented landscape: while digitisation in education is widespread across Europe, its governance, implementation and level of control vary significantly. All countries report using Education and Student Information Systems (ESIS/SIS) and Learning Management Systems (LMS) in their schools, often combining several platforms to address various needs. However, while some countries operate under strong central control with clear regulatory frameworks, others rely on decentralised approaches and private, global providers. 

 

The report reveals a similar pattern regarding the use of AI. While most education systems are either integrating or piloting AI within their digital infrastructures, most schools use AI-based products from private, non-European companies, such as Microsoft, Google and OpenAI. Despite their popularity and practicality, these tools raise important concerns about data protection, privacy and compliance with EU regulations. 

 

Across all countries surveyed, two shared priorities emerge. First, an urgent need to strengthen European digital and AI capacities and invest in EU-based alternatives that are innovative, safe and responsible. Second, a strong desire to increase collaboration and coordinated action among education systems to address common challenges, from data protection and privacy to the impact of digitisation and AI on the education sector as a whole. 

 

Discover the full report.