The Great Digital Divide – where do you stand?

It may not feel like it at times, but it’s worth taking a moment to remember that we’re in a fortunate position. We are connected to friends, colleagues and the wider world like never before. We are part of dynamic and physically boundless clubs, groups and social networks. And we have got access to a limitless supply of information and opportunity.

We're part of a digital world. But what about those who aren’t? As technology transforms how we live, apply for jobs, and engage with everything around us, questions of access and affordability are paramount.

Offline in an online world

Capgemini’s latest research shows that 3.7 billion people today remain offline and 13% of those are in the developed world. What’s more surprising is that younger people constitute the largest share of the offline population in the sample, with 43% aged between 18-36.

In my opinion, this issue needs addressing. Why? Because a lack of digital skills and access to technologies can negatively impact all aspects of a person’s everyday life. Digital exclusion leads to social exclusion. And the offline population is susceptible to increased feelings of isolation, inadequacy, or loneliness.

Furthermore, digital exclusion hinders career progress. It limits access to public services. It causes financial hardship to those who are forced to pay more for essential goods offline. And it creates health inequalities for those without access to certain online information. So, how do we overcome it?

Bridging the divide

Cost, complexity and ‘lack of interest’ are three major factors why people are offline. Specifically, over 56% of offline people aged 22-36 say the expense of an internet device or subscription is the reason they have never gone online. And nearly 40% of all offline people in poverty say they have never used the internet because a subscription is too expensive.

It is clear that we need an affordable infrastructure for all. But the fact is that internet service in most places around the world is a commodity, not a utility. And in many rural areas where there is very little competition, prices are pushed high. The answer, therefore, must surely be to regulate broadband access or subsidize it? It’s a fascinating thought.

Beyond cost, we then need to think about education. 65% of offline people with a health condition believe the internet is too difficult. So, how do we teach digital skills to those who have never been online and ensure they get access to better health-related resources?

Within organizations, trust between the staff and the learners is key. Learners need to feel comfortable with their teachers, and teachers need to understand the unique human needs of their working groups. We all learn differently, so this must be taken into account—it’s the only way to create effective change.

Mobilizing digital inclusion

Over and above the need to approach education in the right way, leaders also face the pressure of having to actually mobilize digital inclusion. Therefore, those looking to overcome digital fluency challenges must first raise internal awareness that digital inclusion is important.

One way to achieve this might be to increase the opportunities for senior staff to engage with the employees who are struggling to use technology. It’s about finding practical ways to mobilize the whole community—as opposed to simply focusing on those who are already online in some capacity.

Finally, it’s important for leaders to apply an innovation mindset. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to digital inclusion. But by creating a platform for innovation, a place where people can bring their ideas to the table, iterate, and build solutions, means progress can be made.

Capgemini’s own Applied Innovation Exchange (AIE), for instance, offers a framework for action and engagement. From an intelligent data platform that aims to help farmers in Kenya resolve food shortage, to applying different thinking to the challenges faced by the charity Action for Children, AIE has helped us create positive outcomes for our clients.

How to take action

There are many places to start when it comes to including the digitally excluded. But which actions would create the biggest impact—especially in the current climate?

Could governments provide funding to make internet access more affordable? Could telco providers strengthen service networks to ensure extra stability and speed in both remote rural and urban areas? Or could organizations drive volunteering programs to create awareness and facilitate change?

Whatever the answer is, the one thing I’m sure about is that some form of action needs to be prioritized—today. 

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Listen to our recent webinar recording and hear a panel of experts discuss this topic in greater depth: https://www.capgemini.com/events/applied-research-bridging-the-digital-divide/

Find out more about Capgemini’s perspective on the Digital Divide and download the full report: https://www.capgemini.com/research/the-great-digital-divide/