Human Capital, Digital Divide, Economic Inequality, Technological Equity, Digital Literacy, Policy Recommendations, Internet Access
Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between the digital gap and the development of human capital concerning economic inequality. Despite the swift progression of the digital economy, which presents novel chances for knowledge acquisition and skill development. The unequal access to the internet has deepened disparities in human capital across different socioeconomic groups, thereby contributing to broader economic inequality. The digital divide is primarily influenced by a combination of factors: access to technology, digital literacy, and financial circumstances. We examine specific regions and demographic groups to analyze the impact of digital skills on human capital development and employment opportunities in countries with differing economic statuses. The primary finding of the studies indicates that, particularly in disadvantaged regions, digital literacy significantly enhances individuals' economic mobility. To ensure equitable access for marginalized populations, it presents policy recommendations centered on targeted educational reforms in digital literacy and infrastructure investments to bridge the digital gap. Based on these findings, policymakers should prioritize creating inclusive digital education programs and improving internet accessibility in rural areas to reduce economic disparities. These insights include strengthening digital education policies and prioritizing internet infrastructure in marginalized areas, aiming to narrow socioeconomic disparities.Keywords: Human Capital; digital divide; economic inequality; technological equity; digital literacyReferencesAbowd, J., Haltiwanger, J., Lane, J., McKinney, K., & Sandusky, K. (2007). Technology and the Demand for Skill:An Analysis of Within and Between Firm Differences. w13043. https://doi.org/10.3386/w13043Anandhita, V. H., & Ariansyah, K. (2018). 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Author Biographies
Sameer Kumar, Office of The Executive Director
Asia-Europe Institute
Fumitaka Furuoka is a Japanese economist who has lived in Malaysia since 1987. From 1991 to 1999, he worked as a senior assistant at the Consulate General of Japan in Penang. Fumitaka then moved to academia and has taught economics for 25 years at three Malaysian public universities, namely, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, and Universiti Malaya.His academic expertise is in the field of applied economics which involves applying economic and econometric theories to address real-world critical economic issues and problems. As an applied economist, he aims to provide insights from his research for hammering out effective policies that foster sustainable development, enable a reduction of regional disparities, and move society towards achieving economic and social justice. In his research in the field of applied economics, he focuses on economic equity between countries (i.e., the problem of inequality of economic development level in different countries), as well as economic equity within countries (i.e., the problem of inequality of income distribution in a specific country). Regarding economic equity between countries, he has conducted extensive research on diverse and pertinent global economic issues, such as poverty reduction, unemployment, economic growth/development, and renewable energy. In 2006, he published a book on Japanese foreign aid titled New Challenges for Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) Policy. The book examines how Japan’s aid policy can contribute to reducing poverty and improving the well-being of developing countries, particularly Southeast Asian economies.至于国家内部的经济公平，Fumitaka 的研究重点是促进“全民就业”，这与联合国可持续发展目标 （SDG） 的具体目标 8 密切相关。他坚信，包括残疾人在内的所有人的就业是可持续和更人性化的经济的基本基础 （Ekonomi Madani）。这种信念促使他写了一本关于残疾人就业的书，名为《残疾与就业：迈向人文经济》。该书由 Springer 于 2024 年出版。这个研究方向具有很强的实践导向，Fumitaka 认为该领域的工作对于实现经济公平和为残疾人提供就业机会至关重要。简而言之，他的研究旨在识别障碍并启动促进和实现全民经济包容、就业和正义的政策。
