Read: Local solutions needed to close the digital divide

Closing the digital divide is one of 14 ‘Levelling Up Goals’ that were launched as part of the Social Mobility Pledge’s work to drive equality of opportunity at key life stages. But what is the best way to achieve greater equality when it comes to digital access and skills?

While there is no doubt that government must be the catalyst, for greatest impact we must use local knowledge and resources. Of course a national approach is needed to set a minimum level of universal standards, we’d never expect children to go without textbooks so why are some left without the correct digital access, skills, software or infrastructure? 

Local knowledge is key when it comes to tailoring this national approach to different communities who face very different problems. A one size fits all approach simply won’t work - solutions are very different for larger urban areas, where skills might be the issues, and smaller rural populations where they simply might not have the infrastructure to get online regularly. 

Solutions will also differ when looking at a range of demographics and policies must reflect this. While looking at the digital divide, many will consider school children and those within education but we must also think about those who need to re-skill or up-skill following job loss to re-enter employment and the elderly who might be cut off or isolated due to a lack of digital skills.

While there is undoubtedly a role for central and local government, what’s important is that local communities come together to figure out what works best for them. Businesses and universities can also play a wider role and support by tackling issues around digital skills. We recently heard from connectivity business Inmarsat on their work bringing STEM into schools and Staffordshire University on how they are working in the community to provide technology devices to as many people as possible. Where leading businesses and universities set the standard in this area, others must now follow as we aim to level up. 

The last year has been unbelievably challenging but there is also much that can be learnt from it. The move towards a digital economy has been accelerated by necessity and we must use these learnings as we move forward.  

Closing the digital divide was the topic for our recent virtual panel discussion. The panel was hosted by Professor Liz Barnes, Vice Chancellor of Staffordshire University, and Rt Hon Justine Greening, chaired by broadcaster Iain Dale, and included representatives from Port Vale FC, YMCA, Staffordshire Universities Academies Trust, Charnwood Primary Academy and Inmarsat.