TA: Closing the digital divide: inclusion as innovation

This week, I attended "Connected Britain" in London. There was an impactful panel on technology and inclusion led by Top Industry Analyst Will Townsend and featuring panellists such as Glenda Cook from Glasgow City Health & Social Care Partnership and Robin Christopherson MBE from AbilityNet. However, it was his adorable service dog, Hugo, that stole the attention.

We often hear that technology brings people together and creates new opportunities, but the panellists shared facts and stories that made me realise there is still a long way to go when it comes to inclusion. And in this mega-connected world, are we still too disconnected?

Technology enables individuals with disabilities to connect with the outside world, power life-saving devices, and unlock new career opportunities.

However, some categories are excluded. We are reminded that real inclusion is still a work in progress by issues like discriminatory algorithms, inaccessible digital services, and unequal access to training.

The most important lesson learned was the disparity between the idea of a globalised world and the reality faced by its numerous inhabitants.

The full article was posted first in the publication "Tomorrow's Affairs" on September 28th, 2025

Read here