Access to technology, including the internet, directly impacts economic development as it allows individuals and businesses to access information, communicate with others, and participate in the global economy. It also helps to improve access to education, healthcare, and government services.
According to the Pew Research Center, as of 2021, around 89% of adults in the United States use the internet. This varies by demographic, with younger adults (ages 18-29) having the highest internet adoption rate at 96%, while older adults (ages 65 and older) have the lowest adoption rate at 74%.
Globally, internet adoption rates vary greatly by country and region. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), as of 2020, the global average internet adoption rate is around 59%. In developed countries, adoption rates tend to be higher, with North America having an adoption rate of 89% and Europe having an adoption rate of 75%. In developing countries, adoption rates tend to be lower, with Africa having an adoption rate of 34% and the Caribbean having an adoption rate of 50%.
Prioritizing technology accessibility and adoption
Given these statistics, it is clear that technology accessibility and adoption should be prioritized as one of the best ways to increase economic development in underserved communities in the U.S. and abroad in places like Africa and the Caribbean. This can be achieved through policies and programs that increase access to technology, such as expanding internet infrastructure, providing subsidies for internet service, and increasing digital literacy training.
Increasing internet infrastructure
This can include building new broadband networks, extending existing networks to reach more remote areas, and deploying mobile networks to areas without wired internet access.
Providing subsidies for internet service
Governments and non-profit organizations can provide financial assistance to low-income households and small businesses to help them afford internet access.
Increasing digital literacy training
This can include providing training on how to use technology, how to access information and services online, and how to use the internet safely.
Offering low-cost or free computers and mobile devices
Community organizations or government programs can provide low-cost or free computers and mobile devices to low-income households and small businesses.
Partnering with local organizations and businesses
Local organizations and businesses can provide digital literacy training, internet access, and other technology services to their communities.
Creating community technology centers
Community organizations or government programs can establish community technology centers that provide internet access, digital literacy training, and other technology services to local residents.
Providing language-specific digital literacy training
This can include providing digital literacy training in languages other than English to help immigrants and non-English speakers access technology and the internet.
Encourage and facilitate public-private partnerships
Public-private partnerships can be used to leverage the resources and expertise of the private sector to increase technology accessibility and adoption in underserved communities.
Developing mobile applications for essential services
Developing mobile applications for essential services such as health care, education and banking will help the communities to access these services through their mobile devices.
Encouraging entrepreneurship and business development
Government and non-profit organizations can provide support for entrepreneurs and small businesses to help them create jobs and spur economic development in underserved communities.
Preparing For The Future
As cutting-edge technology advances, it will be adapted in even more fields as time progresses. This will create new methods of approach, new experiences and new technologies to learn. With Tech Misfits, you will be updated with the latest technology innovations and tech education to keep up in the upcoming digital age .
Tech Misfits is a social networking & tech education app for professionals to unlock their potential through digital literacy training and professional networking.
As cutting-edge technology advances, it will be adapted in even more fields as time progresses. This will create new methods of approach, new experiences and new technologies to learn. With Tech Misfits, you will be updated with the latest technology innovations and tech education to keep up in the upcoming digital age .
Tech Misfits is a social networking & tech education app for professionals to unlock their potential through digital literacy training and professional networking.
