Why addressing digital inequality should be a priority

Abstract

This article addresses the multifaceted and far‐reaching implications of digital inequality (DI), drawing upon emerging trends and examples. The aim is to sensitize policymakers, practitioners, and academics to issues surrounding DI and foster a common and deeper understanding among relevant stakeholders. While research has recognized digital inequality and its dimensions, it has not explicated its broader impact thoroughly, particularly in the current era of digital transformation. The information communication technology (ICT) domain has evolved significantly because of its strong interrelationship with many other sectors, encompassing critical issues such as ethics, inequality, leadership, social capital, governance, and management. There is still a considerable gap in understanding the complexities around digital inequality, which varies across different contexts. Reflecting on over 15 years of experience in information communication technology for development (ICT4D) as both a practitioner and researcher, the evolution of DI in terms of social transformation and its growing short‐ and long‐term implications are discussed. Strategies and pathways for the future are presented, grouped into six areas: a call for a renewed philosophical shift and campaign for digital equality, policy interventions, inclusive technology solutions and services, holistic human capacity building, the universities' role, and the need for a multi‐disciplinary approach to address DI.

Tech-driven transformation: Investigating digitalization dynamics across varying firm sizes

“…The pivotal role played by digital skills and expertise, underscored by the RBV paradigm, is evinced by the disparities between smaller and larger firms in their acquisition and utilization of technology (Holman, 2021). The study's results reiterate the premise that constraints stemming from resource availability can significantly influence technology adoption trajectories, thereby impacting the pace and extent of integration, in accordance with the postulations of Imran (2023). These findings assume paramount importance for firms of every magnitude that navigate the landscape of the digital age.…”

“…Thus, a critical aspect of the digital age is the persistence of digital inequality and divide, which has garnered scholarly attention. Imran (2023) underscores the urgency of addressing digital inequality as a priority, reflecting on the consequences of unequal access to digital resources. Kwet (2019) delves into the concept of digital colonialism, examining how education transformation in South Africa intersects with Silicon Valley's influence.…”

“…Government policies, access to training programs, and collaborations with technology providers are some avenues to consider. Initiatives that democratize access to technology and build digital literacy can empower smaller firms to compete on a more level playing field with their larger counterparts (Imran, 2023).…”

Application of SEM and fsQCA to predict m-health adoption in the BoP market

“…Research shows that while some groups can benefit from technology-driven services such as m-health, these approaches can also increase inequality in certain areas, particularly in the BoP market or marginalised segments of society. Thus, more holistic research with multidisciplinary perspectives and collaboration is warranted to comprehensively understand the associated dimensions, which will contribute to the development of appropriate interventions that foster equality and bridge the social gap (Imran, 2022;Jarke, 2018).…”

Dark side ofIT: A misleading expression?

“…Such a terminology, Heeks (2022) notes, pointed to the exclusion of some groups from the benefits of digital systems: in other words, being excluded from digital access was seen to be the core of the problem. To be sure, issues of digital inequality remain to the present day, though the changed nature of global connectivity has arguably altered the way they present themselves and affect users (Imran, 2022).…”