Trends and challenges of digital divide and digital inclusion: A bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are of great importance in today’s society and have permeated different aspects of human life. In fact, access to them is now considered a fundamental right. There exists, however, a gap between individuals and populations who have access to these technologies and those who do not, which has led to social exclusion. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the effects of this disparity. In this regard, digital inclusion, through ICTs, becomes a strategy to close not only technical but also social gaps, thereby bringing well-being to vulnerable groups and favouring compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Given the importance and topicality of this matter, we conducted a bibliometric analysis, which aims to answer what are the main trends in digital inclusion and digital divide studies and what are the challenges facing digital inclusion initiatives in the social context? For this purpose, we applied a search equation in Scopus and used VOSviewer. With this analysis, we were able to identify the evolution of publications over time and the main authors, countries and topics in the field, and the trends and challenges in digital inclusion initiatives. Finally, we conclude that this study can be used to address other research topics, such as the role of ICTs in the promotion of the SDGs through digital inclusion initiatives, the psychosocial aspects of technology adoption and the need for public policies that serve as a platform for digital and social inclusion.