Digital Inclusion vs Digital Economic Inclusion

Digital Inclusion: All people should have access to the internet or information communication technologies.

Digital Economic Inclusion: A combination of Economic Inclusion and Digital Inclusion, in that all people should have access to the financial tools and internet tools necessary to participate in the economy.

Digital Inclusion:

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance - @netinclusion - digitalinclusion.org - defines digital inclusion as: "Digital Inclusion refers to the activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).  This includes 5 elements: 1) affordable, robust broadband internet service; 2) internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user; 3) access to digital literacy training; 4) quality technical support; and 5) applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation and collaboration. Digital Inclusion must evolve as technology advances. Digital Inclusion requires intentional strategies and investments to reduce and eliminate historical, institutional and structural barriers to access and use technology."

What is Economic Inclusion? The idea that everyone can participate in the economy making for a robust economy. Before someone has the opportunity to purchase a smartphone or internet-enabled device and other basic necessities they require the income necessary to do so. Income can be obtained through jobs, gigs, and/or via cash-transfer programs such as a Basic Income policy, a tax credit policy (like the CTC), and with the help of tools such as a CBDC.

Digital Economic Inclusion:

DIGICEN defines Digital Economic Inclusion as ensuring everyone has access to the variety of tools necessary to participate in the economy and society, while encouraging democratic participation and social entrepreneurship. The necessary tools include: a foundational income floor, such as a Universal Basic Income (UBI), freedom to use the CBDC, access to Internet-enabled Devices and Apps (Universal Access), and access to Democracy Technology, such as Voting Helper Apps. Digital Economic Inclusion cannot work without a commitment to diversity.

How can Basic Income or cash-transfers help with ensuring everyone can participate in the economy? A UBI or Universal Basic Income would provide economic inclusion to all people. A Basic Income is a periodic cash payment unconditionally delivered to all on an individual basis, without means-test or work requirement. https://digicen.org/sdg1-and-digital-economic-inclusion

Those are the differences between Digital Economic Inclusion and Digital Inclusion. DIGICEN advocates for Digital Economic Inclusion through the Economic Inclusion Hub and through the Digital Economic Inclusion Innovation Cycle.

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