Digitalisation, educational and social development in Greater China

Abstract

This new century has witnessed the rapid and frequent emergence of many new information and communications technologies (ICTs). On one hand, digitalisation enhances our economic, social and political lives. But on the other hand, it leads to certain negative social impacts. One prevalent problem is digital divide – the gap between different social groups (namely, the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’) in access to and in their different usages of ICTs. It has been of concern that digital divide will exacerbate existing inequalities, erode traditional community ties, socially exclude the disadvantaged and hinder the growth of the knowledge economy. All these will pose damage to the social fabric internally and international competitiveness externally. This article aims to examine the recent policies and coping strategies adopted by Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong to bridge the digital divide and their economic, social and political implications.

Keywords:

• digital divide
• Greater China
• inequality
• innovation
• new information and communication technology

Notes

1. The value of the CDII ranges from 0 to 1, with 1 meaning that the degree of digital inclusiveness of the disadvantaged group is the same as the advantaged group. That means, the higher the value, the higher the level of digital inclusiveness. The results were: elderly (0.27); persons with disabilities and/or chronic illness (0.35); female homemakers (0.37); single parents (0.45); new arrivals (0.61); children of low-income families (0.63).

2. This quote is originally in Chinese, and is translated into English by the author.

3. This quote is originally in Chinese, and is translated into English by the author.