Closing Digital Skills Gap Could Add Trillions to Global GDP
A new report highlights that a lack of digital literacy hinders significant economic growth, with over a third of the global population still lacking basic digital skills.
Eliminating disparities in digital literacy could add trillions of dollars to the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to new research released this week. The report, a collaboration between GSMA Intelligence and Huawei, was published during UNESCO's Digital Learning Week in Paris.
The study found that 38 percent of the world's population, approximately 3.4 billion people, still lack basic digital skills. This deficiency restricts individual opportunities and acts as a drag on overall global economic expansion.
The research underscores the necessity of investing in digital education and infrastructure to bridge this divide. Closing the digital skills gap is seen as crucial for fostering economic inclusion and unlocking new potential, particularly in developing economies.
GSMA Intelligence and Huawei are calling for concerted efforts, including accessible training programs and improved affordable internet connectivity, to enhance digital literacy worldwide. They argue that such measures are essential for future global competitiveness.