Digital Inclusion Policy and Research Conference

Digital Inclusion Policy and Research Conference

Location: University of Liverpool in London

33 Finsbury Square

EC2A 1AG

Starts: 21/06/2018 at 9am

Ends: 22/06/2018 5pm

Evidence shows that inequalities in access to and use of digital media have measurable impacts on the life chances, health and economic wellbeing of citizens. Collaboration between University of Liverpool and the GoodThings Foundation identified over 13 million UK citizens (20%) who were limited or non-users of the Internet, with the majority being from lower income households. Similar results are also found for UK SMEs where 28% are limited or non-users of digital solutions (Yates/Lloyds Bank). Recently research has shifted to understanding inequalities in complex skills and use. This shift has become key to some governmental digital strategies, such as those of the UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and their equivalents around the globe. This conference will bring together academic research with policy makers and stakeholders to review the current state fo the art in digital inclusion policy and practice.

To register for the conference or to submit a paper abstract please follow the Eventbrite site instructions below:

The conference will draw upon over two decades of research, policy, and practice. Over this time digital inequalities and digital inclusion practice have changed in response to developments in digital technologies and media. Though key themes have remained, such as: material and financial access; skills and digital literacy; effective use by citizens and communities; the impact of socio-economic factors; motivation and attitudes; and, more recently socio-economic and socio-cultural variations in patterns of usage. Digital inequities therefore have become an important part of broader persistent issues of social equity and justice.

The primary aim of this conference is to link up international policy efforts to address digital inequalities, access and skills with the outcomes of recent research at from around the globe. The intention being to support sharing best practice and research insights.

The conference will be a mix of invited presentations from policy and research colleagues, along with open paper sessions. For the open sessions we seek presentations that cover empirical research as well as policy and practice interventions, such as:

• Data analysis of levels of digital inclusion/exclusion and engagement
• Studies of the impacts of digital exclusion
• Policy interventions
• Case studies of initiatives and programmes
• Case studies of community impact

Colleagues wishing to present a paper to the open panel sessions should submit abstracts here:

https://easychair.org/cfp/DIPRC2018

To register for the conference please follow the Eventbrite site instructions below.

We look forward to seeing you in June.

For further information, please contact Dr Jordana Blejmar jblejmar@liv.ac.uk