Monitoring and Measurement of Digital Inclusion: A Critical Analysis of Key Global Frameworks

Abstract

Taking up the challenge laid down by the High-Level Panel on Digital Co-operation to develop a global framework for measuring digital inclusion, this paper analyses ten current international and national attempts to measure and monitor digital inclusion. Two key questions are asked: What indicators of digital inclusion or inequality exist in current international initiatives? What, if any, are the weaknesses of current indicators to support strategic and practical decision making facilitating digital inclusion? Collectively the ten initiatives include 303 indicators, with access, (127 indictors), skills (62), use (50) and supporting environment (29) emerging as dominate clusters. Skills related to the digital age such as digital competence, critical thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurship are limited. Sup-porting elements such as financial inclusion, online identification, security, and trust are largely missing. Focus is on country level data and comparisons. User specific and geographical segmentation of indicators is rare thus limiting their value to decision makers in pinpointing areas, communities, and individuals at risk of digital exclusion.