Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/305717 
Authors: 
Year of Publication: 
2024
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 17275
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
Information and communication technology (ICT) can boost existing socio-economic inequalities if the former is socially exclusive. Longstanding barriers prevent minoritized populations from accessing ICT, thus leading to a vicious circle between digital divide and poor development. The digital divide can be most important when assessing United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals No. 4 (lifelong learning opportunities), No. 5 (empowerment), No. 8 (growth), and No. 10 (reduced inequalities). The current study presents the outcomes of a business apps training intervention, targeting immigrant entrepreneurs running small firms in Greece, Cyprus and the UK. Multifaceted gender digital divides were unravelled, and training was found to improve entrepreneurs' internet/digital skills and firms' digital competencies, whilst also boosting empowerment and reducing gender digital disparities. Given the positive contribution of immigrant firms to countries' growth, ways to facilitate sustainable performances through digital skills training merit consideration. Further, improving immigrant female entrepreneurs' digital skills requires intersectional approaches that address a vector of socio-economic and cultural barriers, ensuring that ICT-driven sustainable development is much more inclusive.
Subjects: 
immigrants
digital divide
information and communication technology
business apps training
empowerment
digital competencies
JEL: 
O3
M2
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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