Analysis of the Socio-digital inclusion policy in Andalusia (Spain) and its territorial strategy Guadalinfo
Main Article Content
Abstract
The introduction of information and communication technologies (ITC) in Andalusia (Spain) have brought about an uneven distribution of Internet users in the region, due to the different capabilities and adoption rates within the population. The regional government addressed this gap among advanced Internet users, limited users and the population unable to access the Internet, by implementing a new strategy called «Guadalinfo» which is based on a territorial network of public facilities to foster ITC development in the two last groups.
This paper reflects a research on the process of setting up the Guadalinfo regional network and its planning consistency, checking its internal strategy and its operational framework adequacy with the outside. The methodology includes a conceptual design or assessment under the Logical Framework approach, guided by planning objectives.
The outcomes show deficiencies in the strategy design as well as new ways to bridge the digital divide between the different types of users. Finally, the study analyzes the consistency of this strategy with the European Union directives on the digital divide.