Articles

Reaching the final third

Ever since there’s been digital, there’s been a corresponding digital divide.  Until now it’s occupied a modest space on the peripheries of government policies, business strategies and third sector activities.  In 2008, however, interest in the old digital divide is growing, and the need to make technology reach the final third – the estimated 33 to 39 per cent of the population still offline – is moving up political, industrial and social agendas.  

In the last year, there have been significant changes in both the consumption and use of technology, and in the structure and thinking of government.  Examples include the recent appointment of the first ever Minister for Digital Inclusion, new consultations on informal learning and internet use, plus the announcement of Jim Knight’s Home Access Taskforce to provide computers and internet connections to some of Britain’s poorest families.  Digital inclusion is no longer just a sideline symptom:  it’s gradually becoming a core issue.  

For people in the digital inclusion community, the impact of digital inclusion on society, the economy and even on political processes has always been clear.  

Managing Director of UK online centres, Helen Milner, explains: “Technology has transformed how we work, socialise, access key services and transact with government.  Connecting people to technology can connect them to new skills, new job prospects, community infrastructures, information, savings, friends and family. Those left behind are missing out - and paying an increasingly high price for their exclusion.  As we move forward, there is evidence of a corresponding cost to government, to the economy and to society as a whole. The need to reach the final third is itself finally reaching decision makers and policy makers.  Today, the real question is if we can afford NOT to make digital inclusion a priority.”

Jim Knight, Minister for Schools, is certainly clear that we can’t afford to let children miss out on the benefits of computers and the internet – either at school or at home.  The Home Access Taskforce recognises digital inclusion as increasingly central to education.  In a recent speech at the BETT technology show, he said:  “We have the highest levels of embedded technology in classrooms in European Union and one computer for every three pupils. The next step is Universal Home Access for all.  …  We need to come up with a sustainable solution which will work for future generations as well as this one, building on existing good practice rather than looking for a quick fix.”

Coherent, co-ordinated and sustainable action on digital inclusion is not just the province of government, government agencies or third sector partners.  Industry also has an interest in reaching the final third, and a role to play in the changing inclusion arena.  For the technology industry in particular, digital inclusion is increasingly a matter of Corporate Social Responsibility.  

Stephen Uden, Head of Skills and Economic Development, Microsoft UK, adds:  “Finding ways to narrow the nation’s digital divide continues to be a key imperative for Microsoft as it becomes increasingly clear that people who have access to computers and the Web are simply more likely to fulfil their potential than those who do not.  It’s crucial technology and software are not only accessible but also affordable.   But we also recognise that having access to technology is not enough and that is why we also put a strong emphasis on widening access to technology skills training and education to help people improve their work prospects and enhance all facets of their lives.”

How to reach the final third and how to harness cross-sector expertise and effort are subjects due to be discussed by key players in digital innovation and inclusion at an event on 29 April in London.  The third National Digital Inclusion Conference 2008 will bring together representatives from across the public, private and third sectors to examine the digital state of the nation and discuss what actions need to be taken to make a real difference to the deepening digital divide.

Hosted by Civic Conferences, the Digital Inclusion Conference is supported by UK online centres and by the DC10plus Network.  Stephen Dodson, National Director for theDC10plus Network, concludes: “There has never been a better time to bring together policy makers and practitioners to discuss fully and clearly converging technological and political developments. The economic, social and environmental challenges we face across all sectors can only be tackled by clearly identifying common goals and searching out innovative and creative solutions to meeting them.  The digital inclusion conference provides the ideal place for collaboration, for sharing good practice and for developing next practice thinking in how we jointly address these fundamental challenges.”

Through a combination of debate, panel discussions, interactive networking and three main plenary sessions, delegates will be given the opportunity to scope and shape future action on digital inclusion.  Speakers include Jim Knight, Helen Milner, Stephen Uden and Stephen Dodson, plus Baroness Andrews OBE from the Department for Communities and Local Government and Fabio Colassanti from the EU-E Inclusion Directorate.  

Reaching the final third is the holy grail of digital inclusion, and this year we are closer than ever before.  There is a real appetite from all sectors to build on best practice, develop solutions, and implement change.  To find out more or get your chance to take part, visit www.civicconferences.co.uk or contact Rebecca Lovatt, Civic Conferences, 0207 378 0422 - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text44115 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it