Digital inclusion is an evolving landscape achieved through organic digital accessibility. This paper explores the pivotal technology and recent theory advancements in digital inclusion theory and proposes a framework encompassing key components such as access and usage, quality of access, affordability, and digital skills. The discussion extends to the current measurement methods employed in household and firm surveys and by international organizations, identifying notable deficiencies and suggesting improvements. Additionally, the paper considers innovative measurement approaches using big data, along with associated risks. A review of the empirical literature on digital divides in developing nations highlights areas for more rigorous and useful future research.
Digital transformation is advancing rapidly across various sectors, increasingly seen as crucial for development. Ensuring digital inclusion—allowing everyone to benefit from digital technologies—is a key challenge. The literature on digital inclusion has shifted from focusing solely on differential access to considering the quality of access, affordability, and digital skills. Initially centered on mobile phones, the focus has now moved to the internet, recognized as a critical general-purpose technology. Recent credible studies have demonstrated the internet’s positive impacts on various developmental aspects in developing countries. Reliable and fast internet access is essential for these nations to fully exploit digital technologies and shift towards knowledge-based economies.
Measurement and Policy Context:
Current measures of digital inclusion often lack reliability and validity, particularly in developing countries. While efforts have been made to assess internet access and affordability, less attention has been given to the quality of access and digital skills. This paper argues for improved metrics and disaggregated data to better inform policy-making and monitor the internet’s developmental impact. It emphasizes the need for sophisticated and accurate measures of digital inclusion to support government policy and goal-setting.
Conclusion:
Digital inclusion extends beyond mere access to include quality, affordability, and digital skills. For effective policy-making and addressing digital divides, it’s essential to refine and expand current metrics. The internet’s role as a development enabler is now widely accepted, but existing measurement efforts require enhancement to provide a clearer understanding of digital inclusion in developing countries. This paper contributes to the discourse by proposing a comprehensive framework for digital inclusion and suggesting ways to improve the measurement and evaluation of digital gaps.
Ensuring digital inclusion is vital for equitable development. At Accessibility Shield, our vision is to lead in providing innovative digital inclusion solutions that ensure everyone, including individuals with disabilities, can access and benefit from the digital economy. We believe in creating digital experiences that enhance the quality of life for all, supporting full participation in social and economic activities.
References:
Morte-Nadal, T., & Esteban-Navarro, M. A. (2022). Digital competences for improving digital inclusion in e-government services: A mixed-methods systematic review protocol. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 21, 16094069211070935.
Perez-Escolar, M., & Canet, F. (2023). Research on vulnerable people and digital inclusion: toward a consolidated taxonomical framework. Universal access in the information society, 22(3), 1059-1072.
Sharp, M. (2022). Revisiting digital inclusion: A survey of theory, measurement and recent research. Digital Pathways at Oxford, 1.