Abstract
A focus of daily life in the UK now revolves around the adoption of technology
and the impact of Internet based technology raises issues of the digital divide, knowledge divide,
social empowerment and socio economic effects. This paper focuses on the impact of the UK
government’s policy, ‘digital by default’, on individuals with limited IT skills living in an area of
deprivation.
Following a review of prior research, the paper analyses data from semi structured interviews
with progression support workers in their roles supporting individuals in their use of computers
to find employment. Research results identify barriers inhibiting individuals from using IT and
the discussion reflects whether the inclusion of concepts of Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations
theory into the design of the ‘digital by default’ policy has the potential to address the digital
divide. The Conclusion draws on the research results to recommend a revised policy strategy.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 76-91 |
Journal | International Journal of Public Administration in the Digital Age |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 31 Jan 2016 |