The economic impact of digital inclusion in the UK

This report [prepared for the Good Things Foundation focuses on the costs and associated benefits of ensuring that all UK adults learn Basic Digital Skills. The research was designed to establish the likely investment required in order to achieve a fully digitally included society and to estimate the benefits that will go to individuals and society as a result of this initiative. The report is based on data measuring Basic Digital Skills from the Lloyds Consumer Digital Index. The authors suggest that based on the evidence gathered there are substantial gains for individuals and for society as a whole from ensuring that all UK adults learn Basic Digital Skills. The authors argue that ensuring that all UK adults learn Basic Digital Skills will benefit not only the individuals who develop these skills, but also the economy as a whole. Individuals can take advantage of digital skills to complete their daily tasks more efficiently, while also being more productive at work and hence be compensated with higher salaries.