Correspondence: ibanescu.bogdan@uaic.ro
Summary of the Session’s Theme and Objectives
The rapid digital transition has brought about significant transformations in societies worldwide, yet it has also intensified digital divides, augmenting existing socio-economic inequalities and drastically impacting digital wellbeing. The uneven pace of adoption of digital tools and services, particularly in public service provision, creates spatial and societal rifts that demand urgent attention. The digital divide is not a uniform phenomenon but a multifaceted challenge that varies across geographic regions, demographic groups, and socio-economic conditions (van Dijk, 2020). In order to properly address the issues, local and regional stakeholders require a collaborative approach that transcends the capabilities of public authorities or large-scale private-sector interventions (Helsper, 2021).
This special session will explore innovative strategies and spatially aware policies that empower individuals and communities to bridge digital gaps through grassroots initiatives, societal support networks, and enhanced research-driven frameworks. Therefore, the session will touch the delicate topics of: a) urban-suburban-rural divides, with connectivity, infrastructure, and digital literacy rates varying significantly between them (Townsend, 2013); b) The community-led digital inclusion strategies – while government and corporate initiatives play a role in promoting digital inclusion, local community networks, NGOs, and digital volunteers (often termed digital helpers) provide a critical safety net for digitally marginalized populations (Warschauer & Matuchniak, 2010); c) the role of research in supporting digital equity, as the academic institutions and research organizations contribute significantly to understanding digital disparities and designing interventions (Green, 2002); d) future-proofing digital access and inclusion, as technological advancements continue to evolve, there is an urgent need to ensure that digital inclusion efforts remain adaptable and forward-looking (Friemel, 2016).
List of Topics to Be Presented in the Special Session
The panel is open, but not limited, to scholars, policymakers, practitioners, and community leaders to share empirical research, case studies, and innovative practices in digital inclusion. We particularly encourage interdisciplinary approaches that incorporate geography, public policy, psychology, sociology and information technology to address the challenges of the digital divide. The main themes of interest will cover:
The special session will be organised within the projects SAGES: Spatial Analysis of Growth, Environment and Sustainable Well-being – project code CF 20/27.07.2023, contract no. MCID – DGGCPNRR 760275/26.03.2024, financed through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan Call no. PNRR-III-C9-2023 – I8_runda 2 and ESPON [DHAK] – The role of digital helpers in reducing digital inequalities.
Key References
van Dijk, J. (2020). The digital divide. Polity Press.
Helsper, E. (2021). The digital disconnect: The social causes and consequences of digital inequalities. SAGE.
Townsend, A.M. (2013). Smart cities: Big data, civic hackers, and the quest for a new utopia. WW Norton & Company.
Warschauer, M., & Matuchniak, T. (2010). New technology and digital worlds: Analyzing evidence of equity in access, use, and outcomes. Review of research in education, 34(1), 179-225.
Green, L. (2002). Communication, technology and society. Sage.
Friemel, T. N. (2016). The digital divide has grown old: Determinants of a digital divide among seniors. New media & society, 18(2), 313-331.