“Building digital capacity for sustainable development”, Amer Al-Roubaie
Prof. Amer Al-Roubaie
Ahlia University, Kingdom of Bahrain
DOI: 10.47556/B.OUTLOOK2018.16.23
Purpose: Digital technologies have increased communication among individuals, regions and nations by eliminating geographical barriers and promoting connectivity. E-services, driven by digital technologies, are helping countries to overcome the challenges of globalisation including knowledge acquisition, innovation diffusion, information dissemination, poverty eradication and sustainable development. Sharing knowledge and information about the environment is crucial for environmental protection and sustainable growth. Digital connectivity could have a positive impact on future sustainability by improving public understanding concerning the risk of unsustainable environment.
Design/methodology/approach: The paper examines the digital gap using published data to measure ICT readiness. The paper underscores the importance of global knowledge and information in building capacity for sustainable development and closing the digital divide. Developing countries can take advantage of globalisation to foster economic growth and promote innovation.
Findings: Building an ICT infrastructure facilitates connectivity and empowers local enterprises to invest in green technologies that are friendly to the environment. E-services, driven by digital technologies, increase the state’s capabilities to provide inclusive coverage of services to all people. This will increase competitiveness that supports technology transfer, innovation dissemination, knowledge creation and development sustainability.
Originality/value: Digital technologies play an important role in fostering change and improving the quality of life. The paper sheds some light on the socio-economic potential of digital technologies that will broaden our understanding about the information age.
Keywords: Digital divide; sustainable development; globalisation; knowledge and information
