The strategy document provides background information on the Scottish Executive's Digital Inclusion Strategy, conceived in 2001 as the start of a process of bringing information and communication technologies (ICT) and the skills to use them to all Scotland's people.

The three main initiatives set up as a result of the strategy are described:

The report evaluates the strategy's progress and performance since 2001 in terms of internet use patterns and it identifies factors which may have prevented some people from taking up opportunities for access. It also suggests ways in which each factor can be tackled and summarises the results of a public consultation on the strategy, held in 2005.

How digital technology can aid the Executive's social inclusion strategy is discussed:

After an evaluation of various initiatives which came out of the Scottish Executive’s Digital Inclusion Strategy (2001), a dialogue exercise was undertaken to review policy and to develop a new digital inclusion strategy.

A written consultation took place, with respondents coming from a wide range of organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors. Further evidence was compiled from focus groups, practitioner meetings and research. In addition data from the Scottish Household Survey was analysed.

Although just over half of the adults in Scotland use the Internet, there are certain disadvantaged groups, for instance disabled people, older people and those living in deprived areas, who remain digitally excluded.

However the wide range of respondents were in general agreement about the action which needs to be taken and what constitutes best practice to achieve digital inclusion.

Voluntary and community groups have an important role to play and there was a clear view that the Scottish Executive should take the lead in promoting and raising awareness of good practice and in supporting local and national networks.

Scottish Executive
Phone: +44 131 556 8400
ceu@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

//

01/12/2006

Scottish Executive

research

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Digital services

Internet access