Rae Evans
27th April 2022
Today, the need for computer and digital skills and access has grown exponentially, changing how individuals interact.
The digital divide’s severity goes beyond the analogy of a three-legged stool — broadband availability, affordability, and digital literacy. As industry tech leaders, we must acknowledge that efforts to close the digital divide should address poverty, geographic, and social isolation.
So why should we make a conscious effort to challenge the digital divide and abolish digital exclusion?
- 5.9 million adults in the UK have never used the internet
- There are 4.1 million adults living in social housing that are offline
- 27% of disabled adults (3.3 million) had never used the internet
- Between 75% and 90% of jobs require at least some computer use
(Office for National Statistics (ONS),2019)
The statistics exhibiting the extent of digital exclusion in the UK are shocking. We are not currently living in a digitally equitable world is evident in myriad ways across the UK. It’s not OK to leave millions of people locked out of essential services and support, locked out of the digital world, locked out of jobs, savings, health and well-being, locked out of connection with loved ones.
There’s a crucial difference between what technology can offer – its potential, its opportunity – and how it’s used in practice by different individuals and social groups. There is a crucial difference between opportunity and outcome and the different extents to which the former turns into the latter.
To level the playing field and unlock opportunities, we need to bridge the digital divide. This will require collaborative partnerships and an innovative mindset to uncover areas of opportunity and bridge long-standing chasms of social, digital and financial inequality.
This is why my CEO, Sandra Patel Stewart, and Managing Director Elly Nettleton decided to launch the Leeds Digital Ball. This concept seeks to narrow the digital divide, support the tech ecosystem and drive a positive change for the local community.
Why is the tech ecosystem essential to us?
The city of Leeds has the fastest scaleup growth in the north of England, with its digital sector employing more than 100,000 people and contributing £6.5 billion to the City Region economy.
The Tech ecosystem supports our economy, community, and digital future. The need for technological advancement, infrastructure and digital skills has never been more prominent after the impacts of Covid-19. Digital technologies affect almost every area of modern life and business. The root of the gap in digital equity is based almost entirely on socioeconomic and regional inequities.
As a tech powerhouse, we are bringing new and diverse voices to the table who understand that being connected can bridge the economic and social divides faced by the local community.
Sandra and Elly have joined forces with influential digital leaders of the city, Mike Quate, Deb Hetherington, Eve Roodhouse, Sarah Tulip and Stuart Clarke, to host the city’s largest-ever black-tie event. On the 28th of April, they welcome 350 guests to the Queen hotel to celebrate the achievements of the Yorkshire tech hub.
In partnership, Leeds Community Foundation is the region’s largest independent funder distributing vital grants. It gives trusted advice to Community Organisations across Leeds and Bradford to create meaningful social impact for thousands of local people every year.
They hope to raise sufficient funds to make digital access to all and support the next generational leaders of our society.
With sponsorship from innovative tech brands such as; Sky Betting and Gaming, Hippo Digital, Bruntwood Sci-Tech and many more, they are well on their way to achieving their target.
Advancing an equitable digital world – bridging the digital divide being one crucial step – requires more than simply equipping small businesses and families with devices and a WiFi connection. It’s also necessary to provide education on effectively using digital platforms to advance skills and create opportunities for the next generation of tech-savvy leaders.