The ever-growing 'digital divide' between technology haves and have-not is only a short-term concern that will correct itself with time, claims a new Government-sponsored study.
How quickly the gap closes will depend upon policy initiatives and private sector action, with eGovernment playing an important part, says the report commissioned by the Department of Trade and Industry. The authors highlight that technologies follow a similar pattern of take-up and problems with inclusion generally tend to be "self-correcting".
With broadband in the US growing at the same rapid rate as television ownership back in the 1940s, they note: "There are therefore empirical grounds for viewing existing divides as transitory over relatively short time scales."
"A key question", says the study, "is therefore how long it will take for the market to reduce differences in terms of inclusion to near neglible levels. A related question is what impact various interventions might have on this process."
The independent briefing, produced by business consultants Indepen, examines the challenges posed by the European Commission's recently-launched i2010 initiative.
The i2010 agenda aims to put Europe at the forefront of the global knowledge economy, boost ICT investment and create an information society for all.
According to the report, "rapid diffusion" of technology is key to eliminating existing digital divides in society.
Policymakers and regulators must ensure that any interventions promote this diffusion, rather than slow it down, it adds.
They should also focus on the quality of eGovernment services to promote take-up, instead of the quantity offered as is currently the case.
The briefing has been prepared for the i2010 conference in London beginning on 6 September and hosted by the UK Presidency of the European Union.
Quelle: eGov monitor, 05.09.2005
