Overview
Qatar’s Digital Inclusion Index (DII) is designed to create a comprehensive tool for asssessing digital inclusion, thereby identifying gaps and informing strategic initiatives to bolster digital inclusion within Qatar and globally.
Qatar’s DII employs a multi-layered approach, assessing 46 indicators mapped across 7 pillars and 17 sub-pillars, combining local and international aspects. More specifically, this index offers a granular view of digital inclusion cross the demographic segments within Qatar, identifying groups most vulnerable to digital exclusion. Additionally, the index positions Qatar on the global stage, benchmarking its digital inclusion performance against other countries. This comparative analysis pinpoints areas of improvement for Qatar, drawing inspiration from global best practices.
This index will serve as a powerful tool for evaluating the status quo of digital inclusion, tracking digital inclusion progress over time, understanding the distinct challenges faced by different countries, regions, and demographic groups, and shaping strategies to bridge the digital divide and enhance digital inclusivity. Ultimately, this index will catalyse the creation of inclusive digital ecosystems, both locally and globally, enabling all individuals to utilise digital technologies to empower their lives.
Objective
Qatar Digital Inclusion index aims to measure progress of Qatar's digital inclusion to steer meaningful action in Qatar, related strategic initiatives, and foster international insights into digital inclusion developments.
Digital inclusion: An engine for the future
Digital inclusion is more than just a technical endeavour; it serves as a cornerstone of societal progress. In an increasingly digitalised world, ensuring that all individuals and communities have equitable access to and the ability to utilise information and communication technologies (ICTs) is essential.
Digital inclusion delivers a wide range of benefits, from improving access to essential services and fostering economic participation to empowering marginalised communities and expanding educational opportunities for all. Moreover, it is a key pillar of Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy and Digital Agenda 2030, playing a crucial role in enhancing government efficiency and optimising service delivery.
Recognising these advantages, governments worldwide are implementing targeted measures to promote digital inclusion, including:
Ensuring equitable access to essential services such as healthcare, banking, and government assistance.
Fostering economic participation by expanding access to online job opportunities and entrepreneurship.
Empowering marginalised communities by amplifying their voices and opportunities.
Providing access to educational resources for lifelong learning and skill development.
Enhancing efficiency in government and service provision through the utilisation of digital tools.
Role of DII in Shaping Qatar's Digital Inclusion Landscape
The Qatar Digital Inclusion Index (DII) has been developed to achieve several critical objectives through:
Establishing a comprehensive baseline to measure the current digital inclusion performance in Qatar, providing a clear view of strengths and areas that need improvement.
Comparing Qatar’s performance globally by assessing its digital position relative to other countries, offering an accurate and objective representation of its standing in the global digital landscape
Guiding future policies and initiatives by providing a roadmap to maintain Qatar's leading position in digital inclusion and suggesting new strategies for further development.
Monitoring progress and adapting strategies based on continuous digital developments, ensuring equitable digital access and skill development for all community groups.
Addressing the specific digital inclusion challenges faced by different demographic groups, allowing for early interventions to improve equity in digital inclusion and the adoption of emerging technologies, a proactive approach that is considered more effective than a reactive ‘bridging the digital divide’ approach.
Raising international awareness of Qatar’s position in digital inclusion and providing a global perspective, highlighting Qatar’s ongoing achievements and launching new initiatives.
In summary, the Qatar Digital Inclusion Index is a strategic tool intended to measure and promote Qatar’s advancements in digital inclusion, ensuring sustained progress and international recognition.