DIGITAL INCLUSION - A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

For decades, information and communication technologies (ICT) have been driving profound changes in the way in which individuals, organizations and governments interact. In particular, the internet has been a major force behind the development towards a more globalizes knowledge-based economy. However, in terms of access to the internet, a digital divide between the 'haves' and the 'have not's has long been recognized. The applications of ICTs have now developed far beyond just computing hardware and the internet towards a much wider realm of digital technologies. As such, the digital equality agenda must capture the disparity of access and functional usage for both the traditional communications technologies such as the internet, mobile phones and interactive digital television, and support new ways of working, managing information, improving the delivery of public services or enabling personal development through electronic gaming. The benefits of digital technologies are numerous and far-reaching. Moreover, certain types of digital technologies can have a huge impact on the quality of life and range of opportunities available to socially vulnerable individuals and groups. As such, digital equality matters because it can help to mitigate some of the deep social inequalities derived from low incomes, poor health, limited skills or disabilities. Against this background this paper throws light on the conceptual framework of digital inclusion, a fertile area for extensive research.