Information and Communication Technologies (ICT's) have irreversibly transformed economic activity and social structures by creating previously unimaginable social and economic value for local economies, government and business.
Despite this, 40% of Europeans have never used the Internet and an estimated 78% of the global population is without regular access to the Internet. Millions of people are on the wrong side of the digital divide and unable to reap the benefits of technology. Countries across the world have responded to the challenge by investing heavily in ICT infrastructure, yet the digital divide persists.
In Portugal, while there is nearly 100% broadband coverage, only 43% of households are connected, the lesson being that ICT infrastructure does not guarantee usage. The misguided assumption that technology itself will resolve the digital divide has resulted in limited returns on ICT investment. A growing number of reports highlight that many ICT projects fail because people are not equipped with skills to use the technology.
By investing in human capital, we can build an Information Society that empowers all citizens to reap the benefits of being digitally literate.
Digital Literacy for Sustainable Economic Development
