Navigating the Digital Divide
The digital divide refers to the gap or disparity that exists between different groups of people in terms of access to and use of information and communication technologies (ICTs), particularly the internet. It encompasses various aspects, such as access to computers, smartphones, broadband internet, digital skills, and the ability to use digital technologies effectively. The digital divide creates a division and inequality around access to information and resources.
Communication is central to effective international research partnership. Travel restrictions introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic showed that, when face-to-face meetings were not possible, new ways of working emerged. However, virtual communication needs to be carefully managed to ensure that technological issues are overcome, and that all partners’ voices are heard during the life course of a project.
Digital inequalities exist in most countries and taking the time to consider who you want to communicate with, what barriers different groups may encounter and how these can be addressed will help to support more effective communication.
Conduct a Rapid Needs Assessment
In any international research partnership, all institutions will have unique needs that must be addressed to facilitate effective communication. Initiating early conversations about potential barriers to effective communication is essential. Conducting a rapid needs assessment could help structure conversations, bring to light any bottlenecks, and guide budget discussions.
The format for the rapid needs assessment could be a brief survey via a word document or online survey tool, or it could take the form of an informal team discussion. The format should flow from the nature of the team and your relationships.
Here are some areas that should be included in discussions:
- Availability of essential equipment, such as: laptops, monitors, headphones, keyboards, tablets, and internet connection dongles
- Assessment of the internet capacity – both within institutions and at the individual level. Where possible within funding schemes, project budgets can incorporate improvements such as institutional upgrading, provision of dongles for work and purchasing pre-paid data bundles.
- Frequency of power outages/generator requirements
- Preference for how frequently meetings are held, meeting timing, and preferred meeting format
- ICT support and capacity
This assessment should be completed early in collaborative discussions and before any decisions on research proposal budgets are taken.
Equitable Resource Access
In international research partnerships it is frequently junior team members in all countries who are most likely to confront the most significant obstacles to effective collaboration. These disparities are evident in terms of funding, ICT equipment, and mobile phone/internet data availability. These team members generally also face the most substantial financial burden if adequate support for virtual work is not provided.
To address these disparities, it is advisable to conduct an IT audit at the project outset. This audit should aim to:
- Determine who possesses what ICT equipment.
- Estimate the amount of internet data required by each project team member.
- Identify specific gaps in equipment or access to digital tools. Think about the people who will use ICT - who, what requirements, what will everyone need in order to complete their role in the team?
Furthermore, it is essential to consider equity in these discussions and ensure that all team members’ needs are considered. This inclusive approach can help mitigate inequalities and promote equitable collaboration from the start of the project. The audit should be updated each time a new team member joins the project or when major project changes occur to ensure appropriate resourcing of team members throughout the programme of work.
Plan for Training on Digital Tools
The interface and functions embedded in digital tools are often changing; do not assume everyone has the same level of comfort with new technologies. Consider delivering training on how to effectively use the digital tools available as part of the research grant.
Providing training on digital tools could include many options:
- Shared team training sessions
- Arranging affiliate status for international partners so they can access UofG training opportunities
- Including payment for specialist courses in the project budget