Choosing the Future: Technology and Opportunity in Communities

Digital information drives participation in politics, the economy, and society, but disparities exist in internet access. Broadband use is a form of digital human capital that benefits communities and individuals, but as little as one-quarter of the population has a subscription, particularly in urban neighborhoods and rural counties.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Digital information plays a crucial role in shaping political participation, economic development, and societal interactions. However, significant disparities exist regarding access to the internet, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to bridge the digital divide. In 2017, a notable example emerged in Flint, Michigan, where only half of the residents had broadband or satellite internet at home, compared to over 90 percent in the thriving community of Sunnyvale, California, located in Silicon Valley. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed these persistent digital divides, underscoring the critical importance of broadband usage as a fundamental resource for future opportunities in both urban and rural communities.

While previous studies have explored the impacts of broadband infrastructure, they have yielded limited insights into the affordability and utilization of the technology by local populations. Moreover, scientific evidence on the collective benefits of broadband adoption remains scarce. In their book "Choosing the Future: Broadband Use in the Population as Digital Human Capital," authors argue that broadband usage should be considered a form of digital human capital that benefits communities and individuals alike. Broadband has a causal impact across various types of communities, contributing to economic prosperity, growth, income, employment, and policy innovation. However, urban neighborhoods and rural counties still face challenges, with as little as one-quarter of the population lacking broadband subscriptions, even when mobile connectivity is included.

As we embark on the development of smart cities and communities, witness rapid changes in economies and jobs, and witness the increasing migration of information and services online, communities with widespread broadband use will be best positioned for inclusive innovation. They possess the digital human capital necessary to thrive in the digital age. By investing in broadband infrastructure, promoting access and affordability, and fostering digital literacy, we can create a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

Weight: 358g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197585764