Multidimensional Factors Enabling Digital Inclusion in Marginalised Communities of a Developing Economy

Abstract

Fully participating in the digital economy involves understanding enabling factors for digital inclusion. The chapter analyzed and synthesized existing knowledge on factors that could enhance digital inclusion in marginalized communities. The factors that enable digital inclusion for marginalized communities in developing economies were extracted and mapped into a taxonomy table using thematic analysis and constant comparative analysis, and they were clustered into five multidimensional constructs: digital access, attitude, digital skills, actual usage, and impact of digital inclusion. These factors act as enablers in speeding up digital inclusion—they form a vigorous model for driving digital inclusion and evaluating digital initiatives in marginalized communities. A model to ensure digital inclusion initiatives to address the realities faced by those who have been marginalized from the digital economy by moving away from an inclusive digital approach that is grounded on a technological perspective is developed.

Key Terms in this Chapter

Digital Convergence: The ability of the population to participate collectively in the digital space from different locations.

Digitization: The use of digital technologies to transform the socio-economic conditions of rural communities.

Rural Communities: Sparsely populated lands lying outside urban areas with low-density cells.

Digital Transformation: The integration of digital technology into social and economic activities of the population.

Digital Exclusion: The lack of access to technology and digital skills to participate in the digital economy.

Digital Engagement: Users' interactions with e-services to strengthen continuous use ICTs in everyday life.

Empowerment: The approach in which marginalized communities have the autonomy to use information technology to realize their potential.