Digital Economy and Digital Divide

We are living in a New Global Landscape since humanity gave a binary language to machines, in so doing the physical sphere of the Earth is enveloped and pervaded by a digital sphere. Since then cyber-physical systems have emerged, that is systems with computationally and physically integrated capabilities. In this scenario, products and processes become multi-technology and multi-knowledge domains. Consequently, multiple challenges loom for individuals, firms and communities. These are an accelerated techno-scientific dynamics, the unceasingly evolving competences and capabilities, the necessity to frequently redefine systems and strategic thinking. Furthermore, global information flows generate and favour self-organising processes in business and at a social level so that hyper-structures emerge, which are able to manage growing information flows, powered by widespread feedback, both spontaneous and triggered thorugh strategies based on converging interests. The consequence is the possibility to influence decision- making processes at many levels, even by “warping minds”. This new global landscape is characterised by increasing complexity and growing and widespread economic, social, cultural, political asymmetries. The focus of this contribution is the digital divide. We review different definitions of it, which the international literature has elaborated. Moreover, the multidimensional nature of the digital divide and the multiple mechanisms generating it are treated and discussed here. Finally, after tracing trends in various Countries of the world, we advance some guidelines for Actions based on the elaborations of international research centres and bodies. In fact, the main purpose of this paper is to provide sound suggestions for tackling the digital divide and promoting human-centred technological progress.