CC BY
21POLITICAL SCIENCES
OVERCOMING THE DIGITAL GAP AS AN IMPERATIVE OF STATE REGIONAL POLICY
Byrkovych T.,
Doctor of Science in Public Administration, Professor, Professor of the Department of Information Technologies, Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts ORCID: 0000-0003-3276-2029 Zaporozhets T. Ph.D. of Science in Public Administration, Associate Professor of the Department of Information Policy and Digital Technologies, National Academy of Public Administration, under the President of Ukraine ORCID 0000-0003-1914-9481
ABSTRACT
The article analyzes the problems of bridging the digital divide in Ukraine, noting that its solution is inextricably linked with the formation of a digital society. It is established that the formation of the digital society is due to the rapid development of modern scientific and technological advances that create and shape a fundamentally new society. In such a society, new transformations are taking place in various processes of human life. it is substantiated that the state regional policy on overcoming digital inequality should be built in such a way as to improve people's lives, economic prosperity, equality and inclusiveness as soon as possible. The government should develop guidelines for state regional policy in this area and take measures to reduce socio-economic disparities in the territories.
Developing appropriate policies and providing economic incentives to foster innovation and create new markets will help bridge the digital divide, increase new employment opportunities, and ultimately improve the quality of life. Developing policies aimed at adapting the education system to changing labor markets and encouraging affordable digital skills training, deregulating the telecommunications industry, encouraging the use of the Internet and information and communication technologies should be key to digital transformation in Ukraine.
Keywords: digital inequality, digital divide, digital competence, regional policy, socio-economic disparities in the territories.
Formulation of the problem. The Internet is becoming the foundation of our society and a universal synonym for digital infrastructure. Although, conceptually, the digital infrastructure is more complex, as it also includes cellular infrastructure and satellite networks, the Internet is undoubtedly one of the most important achievements in the world.
Combined with other digital technologies, such as personal computers and smartphones, these innovations have changed our daily lives and the way we do business around the world [1, p. 128].
According to the World Economic Forum, each additional 10% of Internet penetration can lead to an increase in GDP per capita in countries with economies in transition by 1.2% [2].
However, in each country there is still a problem such as the "digital divide" in the use and access to digital infrastructures and services between individuals, households, businesses and geographical areas. It remains much broader for countries with economies in transition and, in particular, for certain segments of the population, such as the poor and rural communities. Since 1995, when the Internet was used commercially globally, the ongoing debate over how to close the digital divide has attracted worldwide attention.
In recent years, the problem of overcoming the internal digital divide caused by differences in the pace of implementation of high-quality high-speed Internet
(broadband access or "broadband") in cities with a population of millions (especially in the capital) and in information-depressed regions has become urgent.
Outline of the main research material with full justification of scientific results. The term "digital inequality" defines a situation that arises when there are social groups in society with different access to modern digital communication technologies (especially the Internet). This definition, related to the presence or absence of access to technology, can be applied both to different societies within one country (internal digital inequality) and to several countries or regions (international digital inequality). The term is used both for differences between countries (for example, in Iceland, more than 86% of the population has access to the Internet, and in Liberia - 0.03%), and for differences in the opportunities of different social groups within one society.
In 2006, the UN General Assembly proclaimed World Information Society Day in resolution № A / RES / 60/252. One of the goals was to raise awareness about ways to bridge the "digital divide". UNESCO identifies the main groups of social characteristics, according to which groups of gaps are formed: economic resources; geography (asymmetry between urban and rural areas); age; language; education, social and cultural foundations; physical completeness [3, p. 127].
The levels of national economies are one of the most important factors in the formation of global gaps.
Economically rich countries have greater resources to implement technological innovations and attract the masses to them. Financially independent individuals focus on the latest telecommunications and other technical means to meet their own needs.
Geographical gaps are based on several segments, including international and domestic vectors. The international vector is characterized by significant imbalances in access to information and communication through the latest telecommunications channels to the world treasury of knowledge between some countries. For example, Internet access in Scandinavia exceeds 90% of the population, while in Ukraine and other postSoviet countries this figure fluctuates around 30% of the population [4].
Age gaps are related to young people's desire for openness and innovation, while middle-aged and older people tend to be stable and static. Gender problems arise in societies in which a woman is seen as an underprivileged public figure due to religious or other conventions. People with limited physical needs often do not have access to the Internet, as not all computers are adapted to the needs of the visually or hearing impaired, and only a small percentage of sites are equipped with audio programs for text or graphics.
As a result, a situation is created where the latest technologies not only do not contribute to the full realization of any individual, but act as a catalyst for gaps between different groups. One of the significant inequalities that hinder the implementation of quality network communication is the language disparity, formed on the basis of the dominance of English as the main language of the Internet and software and hardware support of computer and telecommunications facilities. And although in recent years there has been an active promotion of national languages in the digital world, English remains the most common in online information and communication resources.
Digital constraints prevent citizens, in particular disadvantaged socio-economic groups, from enjoying all the benefits that digital technology can provide. This will inevitably widen the income gap and lead to unbalanced economic development in the long run. Although both Ukraine and Europe as a whole have demonstrated the importance of efforts to reduce socio-economic and geographical disparities by providing access to the network for a growing number of citizens, it is nevertheless important to emphasize that investing in single physical access is not enough to increase inclusion. in the information space.
Promoting digital infrastructure in the most disad-vantaged areas is a key factor in maintaining inclusive-ness, but governments must also take a number of policy decisions to promote social and economic cohesion through new innovations that enable disadvantaged regions to catch up with more developed urban areas.
The GCI Digital Transformation Index was created to analyze a wide range of indicators for digital infrastructure and digital transformations. The indicative indicator of the index covers 79 countries according to their values in 40 indicators that track the impact of information and communication technologies on the country's economy, digital competitiveness and future
growth. Together, these countries account for 95% of world GDP. The GCI is a unique quantitative assessment that comprehensively and objectively assesses the relationship from both a national and an industry perspective. The research framework covers a combination of advanced and fundamental technologies that allow you to analyze how yesterday, today and tomorrow intersect to help map the global digital economy [5].
The GCI index contains four sub-indices: supply, demand, experience and potential. They cover the entire chain of information and communication technology development and digital transformation to provide a 360-degree view of the digital economy. GCI analyzes the digital transformation from basic connectivity levels to additional, advanced technologies. These cutting-edge technologies - broadband, data centers, cloud services, big data, and IoT - are key factors driving the next wave of economic benefits from investing in information and communication technologies.
40 indicators can be analyzed both vertically (supply, demand, experience, potential) and horizontally (broadband, data centers, cloud services, big data and IoT). Variables are measured by factors such as GDP per capita, number of households and total population. These factors assess the overall picture of connectivity for each country, including measurements such as the number of applications downloaded per person or the penetration of fiber-optic signals compared to the total number of households.
The index ranks countries according to their overall rate of ICT adaptation across the economy and population. Countries receive a rating of 1 (low) to 10 (high) for each of the 40 indicators based on the 2020 target. These metrics are then combined to form an overall score for each of the four GCI sub-indices. These targets are extrapolated based on market penetration forecasts based on the highest rated countries, historical market performance and expert opinion. The final index is then calculated by combining four segments: GCI Total = (Supply + Demand + Experience + Potential) / 4 [5].
Since 2018, Ukraine ranks 50th in the GCI rankings. Ukraine has an accessible fixed and mobile broadband band for its residents, and the level of penetration lags slightly behind the world average. The speed of penetration into everyday life of computer household appliances and smartphones is positive. This reflects the growing demand for broadband connections.
The EU has included Ukraine in the European investment plan for the digital economy. Investments in digital infrastructure will allow Ukraine to catch up with other European countries. Therefore, it is important to develop our own fiber-optic networks and high-speed next-generation wireless programs [6].
The Ukrainian cloud market is at the stage of demand crystallization. The demand for clouds comes from latency and accumulates the initial experience of cloud solutions. This fact is reflected in the main level of awareness of the end user about cloud computing. Ukrainian cloud market potential is created by the plans of companies for the use of cloud solutions, as well as the intensity of the study of technology by IT companies. About half of the heads of information technology
departments study cloud computing. The positive experience of cloud end users will ensure the rapid penetration of cloud computing into the Ukrainian market.
The strategy of the digital economy presented by the Ukrainian government envisages the transition from a resource-saving economy to high-tech production with efficient processes and increasing GDP growth through the introduction of information and communication technologies. It focuses on two aspects: first, the development of digital infrastructure, which is broadband Internet, and secondly, the digitization of education and stimulating digital transformation in education, medicine, ecology, cashless economy, infrastructure, transport, public safety, etc. [7].
Demand for high-speed Internet access (broadband access) is growing in the world and in Ukraine. The needs of society are changing - the use of fixed and mobile digital devices, electronic learning, medical video services, interaction with government agencies, the use of various applications and automated systems, etc. dramatically affect the volume and speed of data transfer. Our goal is that all citizens of Ukraine, without technical, organizational and financial constraints, can take advantage of the "digital" world and not be in the so-called "digital divide" segment.
The state of broadband access in Ukraine shows that with a fairly high average and even distribution of broadband penetration across the country, there is a pronounced gap between urban and rural areas - about 30%. Also, a significant number of the rural population (33-35%) do not have broadband access, but could connect to it. Due to the fact that the cost of broadband access in household incomes in rural areas of Ukraine is approximately 2%, there are no market barriers.
However, there are technical barriers - lack of connectivity, ie there is a gap in demand and technical supply for broadband. When building infrastructure in rural areas, the broadband access rates of urban and rural areas can potentially be almost equal.
However, research shows that for vulnerable groups of consumers, such as low-income families, retirees and people with low-income incomes, broadband is not generally available, regardless of city or town. Also, the availability of broadband access at home is largely determined by the level of education of Ukrainians. This gap points to the need for the general implementation of programs for the acquisition of "digital" skills, which in today's world have become vital.
This leads to unequal access to quality medicine, although Article 49 of the Constitution of Ukraine obliges the state to create conditions for effective and accessible medical care for all citizens.
For example, the Europe 2020 strategy envisages, in particular, the implementation of the Digital Agenda for the Development of Digital Technologies in Europe. The goals of this plan are to achieve a sustainable 30 economy and social benefits by creating a common EU digital market based on broadband access.
In 2010, the era of fiber access began in Europe. The most promising solutions are FTTH (Fiber - to -the - Home - fiber directly to the subscriber's home). The number of subscribers of networks with FTTH access is growing in all regions of the world. High-speed
broadband access in European countries is financed through EU instruments (for example, the European Regional Development Fund, the English Rural Development Program, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, the EU Competitiveness and Innovation Program) and through EIB investment loans [1, p. 47].
Existing conditions in Europe make it possible to provide universal access and close the digital divide between urban and rural areas as soon as possible. The EU's policy of creating various types of development funds has played a significant role in this. The principle of universal access is based on the understanding that all citizens have the right to access means of communication. In global practice (UN, OECD), this provision is worded as follows: "The state recognizes that access to a variety of unlimited sources of information and means of communication is a fundamental right of all citizens."
The information infrastructure of the state cannot be considered complete until it is available in all regions of the country and for all its inhabitants and until proper and inexpensive access to the full range of traditional and latest intelligent technologies and services is provided, taking into account different user needs and taking into account their gender, age, ethnic and linguistic differences and special needs.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) stipulates that universal service is a long-term goal, which is to ensure the availability of means of communication for each member of society individually or at the family level. The concept of universal / universal access is also formulated - a short-term goal, which is to provide convenient and cheap access to communications at the community or local level by combining public communications (payphones, collective Internet access points, etc.) and individual private services.
The basic principles of universal service provision are set out in Directive 2002/22 / EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 March 2002.
Thus, the information revolution, which is the result of scientific and technological progress in recent years, has led to an increase in the role of information and knowledge and, as a consequence, a new level of development of modern society. Its main driving force is information and knowledge, which are an important factor in production. In this regard, scientists call modern society, which is based on "information economy" or "knowledge economy" (M. Porat) [8, p. 128].
In this regard, it will be appropriate to focus on the work of the European Commission, which is extremely active in the development and dissemination of digital technologies in the world. The European Commission defines the digital economy as an environment that allows each company or individual to communicate quickly and at low cost with another company or person for trade, exchange of ideas and knowledge, collaboration and more.
One of the priorities of the Commission is the strategy "Digital Single Market" (Digital Single Market), as a set of mechanisms to ensure the active participation of every citizen in the development of a digital
society [9].
Implementing the Digital Single Market strategy, the Commission adopted a number of initiatives and legislative proposals on 14 September 2016. In particular, it is planned that by 2025, all schools, transportation hubs and major public service providers, as well as businesses with digital rights, should have access to Internet connections with a download / download speed of 1 Gbps [9].
In addition, all European households, rural and urban, will have access to networks with a download speed of at least 100 Mbps and must be upgraded to 1 Gbps, and all urban areas, as well as major roads and railways, must have continuous broadband wireless communication. language 5G. Thus, according to scientists, these and other measures should ensure the competent participation of citizens in the formation of a modern digital society [10].
In the context of research on the relationship between the development of digital technologies and the formation of a digital society, it is worth mentioning Alvin Toffler - American philosopher, sociologist and futurologist, one of the authors of the concept of postindustrial society. innovation. He noted that the awareness of the formation of a new culture will occur at an ever-increasing pace and to an increasing extent. This is explained not only by the influence of total computerization and globalization, but also by the emergence of new attitudes towards work, employment, gender, leisure, etc. [11, p.29].
Nearly 1 million people have started using social media daily for the first time in the last year, roughly the equivalent of 11 new users every second. According to estimates by researchers, in 2017 in Ukraine there were 25.59 million Internet users, respectively, the annual increase was 17% of users (4 million) [12].
Conclusions and prospects for further research. Concluding the analysis of the problem of bridging the digital divide in Ukraine, we note that its solution is inextricably linked with the formation of a digital society. Research interest in the relationship between the development of digital technologies and the formation of a digital society is due to the rapid development of modern scientific and technological advances that create and shape a fundamentally new society. They provide an opportunity to quickly solve the problems of information hunger and reach a new level of interpersonal communication, which in the context of globalization becomes intercultural and interreli-gious. In such a society, new transformations are taking place in various processes of human life.
Therefore, the state regional policy on overcoming digital inequality, development of the Internet of information and communication technologies at the local level should be built in such a way as to improve people's lives, economic prosperity, equality and inclu-siveness as soon as possible. The government should
develop guidelines for state regional policy in this area and take measures to reduce socio-economic disparities.
Developing appropriate policies and providing economic incentives to foster innovation and create new markets will help bridge the digital divide, increase new employment opportunities, and ultimately improve the quality of life. Develop policies to adapt the education system to changing labor markets and encourage affordable digital skills training, as well as deregulating the telecommunications industry, developing a friendly environment for digital services and encouraging the use of the Internet and information and communication technologies to create and add value to societies must become key to digital transformation and reducing the digital divide in Ukraine.
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