Why connectivity also needs collaboration and cloud to crack digital inclusion
Technology is advancing faster than ever. This year is turning out to be a landmark in the tech world where ideas that once only seemed possible in movies or science fiction stories are now reality. From AI’s increasing influence in our daily lives, to exascale computers, the expanding reach of autonomous cars and the next frontiers of space exploration, 2024 is shaping up to be a year that will redefine the boundaries of technology and its role in advancing humanity.
Yet, the sad reality is that the advance of these technologies isn’t benefiting everyone. In fact, the adoption of these technologies is widening the digital divide and increasing digital inequality for those below the poverty line. Digital inclusion is a crucial aspect of modern life as digital technologies become integral to people’s lives in essential activities such as entertainment, education, healthcare, and business. However, in many parts of the developing world there remain significant barriers to digital inclusion.
While governments, technology companies and NGOs have pledged their support to narrowing the digital divide, apart from investments and technological solutions, new ways of working are needed to truly tackle the issue. Progress will require a focus that goes beyond just connectivity and developing internet infrastructure in new models for collaboration across industries with more initiatives powered by the cloud.
The limitations of focusing only on connectivity
Technology companies and NGOs have focused most of their efforts in increasing connectivity and developing internet infrastructure. However, infrastructure alone does not necessarily translate into digital adoption and beneficial use. There is no shortage of technology companies waxing lyrical about their commitment to CSR and ESG, but the latest results from the World Benchmarking Alliance’s (WBA) Digital Inclusion Benchmark , show that less than 14% of the world’s major technology companies deliver on digital inclusion. After assessing 200 tech companies from around the world, looking at whether they are enabling greater access to digital technologies, improving digital skills, reducing usage risks, and ensuring inclusive and ethical innovation, the WBA findings show that only 27 out of 200 businesses achieved a score of at least 50% on key criteria.
New models for collaboration to move the needle
The WBA findings demonstrate the limitations of focusing on connectivity alone to solve this issue. What is also key is access to affordable devices able to run applications and deliver informative content; and support to help underserved people build the digital skills to capture opportunities in today’s connected world. This will not be a problem any individual organization can solve alone but it will require new models for collaboration between various stakeholders.
It’s something we’ve thought long and hard about with the development of our Cloud Phone technology. While our solution makes it possible for the cheapest 4G feature phones to become an important tool for digital inclusion, without a manufacturing partner to sponsor the devices and the right NGO or initiative partner to deploy thems in support of meaningful programs, we can’t make a true difference.
We don’t have all the answers yet, but we hope that through dialogue with these potential partners, we can find a starting point. What we can offer the right partners is sponsorship of Cloud Phone services and everything needed to support educational or upskilling programs on the cloud.
Initiatives to increase cloud cover for digital inclusion
Apart from the obvious fact that investing in these types of initiatives has clear benefits for the good of society, there are also clear business opportunities that come from bridging the digital divide.
The gap presents not only a social challenge but also a significant business opportunity for phone manufacturers and other mobile eco-system players. By partnering with NGOs and leveraging cloud technology, these companies can play a central role in fostering digital inclusion.
For phone manufacturers, the immediate steps are clear: sponsor the deployment of affordable devices equipped with cloud-based applications and collaborate with NGOs to ensure these devices are integrated into impactful educational and upskilling programs.
This strategy does more than bridge the digital divide; it opens new markets and drives growth by creating a base of new users who will rely on their products and services. Manufacturers will benefit from brand loyalty and an expanded customer base, particularly in emerging markets. The future of digital inclusion lies in connectivity, collaboration, and the cloud — and companies across the mobile ecosystem have a crucial role to play in making this vision a reality.
