Equity in Technological Innovation

Around the world 3.7 billion people do not have access to the internet. Half of them are women. In some parts of the planet, the digital gender gap has narrowed, but according to the latest available data, it is growing again in Africa after the COVID 19 pandemic (ITU, 2021, UNW 2022).

It is necessary that access to the internet be accompanied by effective policies for its use in education and for greater access to basic social services. In developing countries, there are already more households that have a mobile phone than those that have access to electricity or drinking water (ECLAC, 2022, CAF, 2021).

Technology is a powerful driver of productivity, long-term economic growth and the improvement of living conditions. Therefore, equal access to technology is a key element for sustainable economic development (ITU, 2022, WEF, 2021).

In this context, it is essential to ensure that access to technological innovations are as equal as possible. For this, broad strategies are required for skills training and guaranteeing fair competition through regulation and responsible institutions (WB, 2019).

Below you will find some of the recent projects, publications and activities from our network related to policies that promote the reduction of education, infrastructure, and gender gaps in the field of science, technology and innovation.