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The nature of the digital divide is a complex and debated issue; therefore, an accurate diagnosis of its causes is an imperative in order to discern and implement the proper solutions. The digital divide is wide. The aim of this paper is to highlight the elements that have determined such a divide within a macro area of southern Europe. The methodology was developed with the support of both a qualitative and a quantitative analysis, monitoring the period 2010-2017 with reference to Southern Italy. Many European countries exhibit the same criticalities and this composite measurement allows the identification of the capacity and willingness of the countries to use e-government for ICT led development. Furthermore, the methodology reflects how information technologies are being used to promote citizens' access and inclusion. The issues of Italian bureaucracy and the digital divide should be investigated to enhance public administration development.

The aim of the present research is to compare the performances of the 28 EU Member States in the period 2006–2016 in order to assess their progress towards the achievement of circular economy objectives. This study overviews the conceptual background, that informed the implemented measures so as to create an accumulation of knowledge which focuses on the one hand on “Reduction, Reuse, Recycling” actions, and on the other hand on the main impact areas of circular economy activities. Furthermore, the evaluation of these actions and their impacts were carried out correlating Growth Domestic Products in Purchasing Power Standards data with quantitative indicators: Produced Municipal Waste – PMW, Produced Food Waste – PFW, Municipal Waste Recycling rate – MWRr, Domestic Material Consumption - DMC, Production Material Reuse rate – PMRr, Market rate of Recyclable Raw Materials – MrRRM. These indicators allow assessing the degree of transition achieved by the member states in the implementation of circular economy. The analysis shows that different strategies were adopted by the 28 EU Member States and that only a few of these could be considered effective in meeting the challenges of the circular economy in European Union.