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Bridging the Digital Divide: The Role of Territorial Foresight in Promoting Digital Cohesion

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29 November 2024

Bridging the Digital Divide: The Role of Territorial Foresight in Promoting Digital Cohesion

Transformative Digital Transition

Digital

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The digital divide - an imbalance in access to digital technology and the internet—remains a pressing issue that exacerbates socioeconomic disparities. To address this, territorial foresight studies have emerged as a crucial tool, offering a forward-looking approach to understanding and mitigating the factors that contribute to the digital divide.  

Territorial foresight is a powerful tool in the fight against the digital divide. By enabling a forward-looking, region-specific approach to digital policy, it helps to promote digital cohesion and ensure that the benefits of the digital age are shared by all. As digital technology continues to evolve, the role of territorial foresight will be increasingly important in creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

This study examines how regional and territorial strategies can be designed to bridge the digital divide and enhance digital cohesion across Europe. The report emphasises the importance of tailored approaches to address disparities in digital access and usage, particularly in underserved areas. It provides insights and recommendations for policymakers on how to foster digital inclusion and ensure that all regions benefit from digital advancements
 

Authors

Editorial Team: Diesis

Topics
Geographical descriptors

Albania

Armenia

Austria

Belgium

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czechia

Denmark

Estonia

EU-27

Finland

France

Georgia

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Ireland

Italy

Kosovo

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Moldova

Montenegro

Netherlands

North Macedonia

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Serbia

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Türkiye

Ukraine

Organisation Type

Academic/Research and VET Institutions

Company with 250 or more employees

EU institutions

Financial Institutions and Investors

Industry Associations and Chambers of Commerce

International Organisations

Local authorities

Media/Travel Journalist Organisations

National authorities

Networks and Federations / Confederations

NGOs / Non-profits

Regional authorities

SMEs (a company with less than 250 employees)

Trade Unions

  • Thematic area

    • Transformative Digital Transition

  • Interlinkages with other sectors

    • Digital

  • Action areas and keywords

    • Digital Platforms

    • Innovation

    • Strategy for Data

    • Tech for Good

  • Ecosystem focus

    • Proximity economy

    • Social economy

  • Scope of activity

    • International

    • Local/neighbourhood

    • Regional

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Territorial foresight is a strategic process that helps policymakers anticipate and prepare for future regional challenges. By analysing trends, risks, and opportunities, it provides a framework for sustainable development tailored to the unique needs of different regions. When applied to the digital divide, territorial foresight allows for a nuanced understanding of how digital inequalities manifest across various territories, whether urban, rural, or peripheral.

The Digital Divide can be addressed through territorial foresight. Policymakers can identify regions at risk of falling behind in digital connectivity and skills. This proactive approach enables the design of targeted interventions that are context-specific, such as investing in digital infrastructure in underserved areas or creating programs to enhance digital literacy among disadvantaged populations. These measures are essential in ensuring that all regions can participate equally in the digital economy.

Digital cohesion refers to the equitable access to digital resources and opportunities, ensuring that all members of society can benefit from technological advancements. Territorial foresight plays a vital role in promoting digital cohesion by providing the insights needed to balance the distribution of digital resources. For example, it can guide investments in broadband infrastructure to ensure that remote areas are not left behind, or it can support the development of region-specific digital education programs.

By fostering digital cohesion, territorial foresight contributes to more inclusive growth, reducing the risk of regional disparities widening in the digital age. It ensures that no community is marginalized in the digital transformation, supporting a more equitable and connected society.

What are you doing to encourage digital cohesion in your region of city?
 

Documents

Territorial foresight study in addressing the digital divide and promoting digital cohesion
English
(5.14 MB - PDF)
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