Digital technology has introduced amazing innovations and power to solve some of the hardest problems. The ridesharing, room booking, & messaging apps are some of the things that have changed our modern lives.
The digital technology refers to the internet, mobile phones and the tools used for collecting, storing, analysing and sharing information digitally.
But can digital technology make the world a better place? Can technology be used to solve the toughest problems facing mankind, e.g. reducing poverty, providing basic healthcare, food and water supply etc?
Oxford Economics & Dentsu Aegis Network teamed up & published a study on how digital technology can solve the biggest problems of our times. According to the report, 42% respondents from 10 countries agree that digital technology can alleviate and solve problems.
Interestingly, China tops the list with an overwhelming 71% who believe in the power of digital technology. The countries were ranked considering three dimensions of the digital economy:
- Dynamism: The extent to which economies are driving growth with Information & Communications Technology sector(Value addition).
- Inclusion: How well economies are sharing prosperity by widespread access of digital economy (Access to infrastructure, digital skills and jobs).
- Trust: The extent to which right enablers are in place for driving digital growth (Privacy, Security and belief in digital economy)
The study indicates that overall optimism about digital technologies can be improved once the apprehensions relating to trust, privacy and security are addressed. The policy makers can be use the digital technology to increase their outreach and make government services easily accessible through convenient means.
Companies like Google, Apple, Amazon are prime examples of the impact technology has today in our world. There are several other start-ups and technology companies that are cruising on their way to be global empires. The speed and reach of their growth is phenomenal.
The digital technology gives companies an ability to connect with people around the planet instantly. Never before was this possible. How the digital technology can make people happier and solve their biggest problems remains a key challenge for leaders.
A good digital infrastructure can empower people in a country. Many of these people benefit from economic growth, world class learning & opportunities to excel. Consider for e.g. room sharing platforms provide people with an opportunity to augment their income by renting their spare rooms. Ridesharing apps are creating alternate incomes for retired people who are working as drivers.
Many young start-ups are leveraging the digital technologies to innovate and solve problems that may not have been possible in yesteryears. The ecommerce and entertainment platforms are also growing avenues for digital economies.
Here we look at how digital technology can help the world solve some of the major problems:
1. Learning, Education & Empowerment:
Imagine that your laptop or mobile device has access to the best teachers, leaders and educational resources from around the world. It doesn’t matter what you want to learn, there is incredible stuff out there on internet.
Digital technology has reached even in the remotest places, where you cannot find teachers. The learning and education is empowering people to join the global revolution of digital innovation and change.
The learning and education imparts the necessary skills for creating economic value for people. The people can grow their in proportion to their skills and learning.
2. Government Services:
The digital economy can practically be used for delivering all the important citizen services with convenience, ease and transparency. Whether it is the healthcare services, transportation or schemes benefits, the government can use the digital technology for last mile delivery.
The citizen participation, interaction and inputs can be taken through the use of digital platforms. The government can ensure safety, security and well being of its citizens through the use of digital technology.
3. Reducing Inequality:
Technology can be very helpful in mitigating lot of inequalities that exist in the world. Technology is a great enabler in giving equal opportunities to everyone. There is no discrimination or bias with technology.
Digital technology can reduce inequality by empowering people for learning, earning and shaping their lives by the choices they make. There are no barriers to growth in the world of technology. Digital technology can be used for building systems to reach the last man and serve his needs.
