This presentation is part of: J10-2 (2093) Technology, Institutions, and Demographics

Digital Gap and Socio-Economic Development in Spain

Ma. Yolanda Fernández Jurado, Ph.D., Universidad Pontificia Comillas de Madrid, c/ Alberto Aguilera, 23, Madrid, 28015, Spain

Although today thanks to technological advances have been much diversified mechanisms for Internet access (computers, mobile phones, digital television,…) and the number of Internet users in Spain has grown considerably there is still an important part of the population who do not agree to these technologies and, consequently, the benefits they can bring.

The possible existence of this digital gap has important socio-economic consequences at regional level that can greatly affect the balanced development of nations, particularly in the Spanish case are already detecting some regional differences that are convenient to modify.

In order to avoid that these differences are progressing, it is appropriate to consider what measures are being implemented, both nationally and autonomy, to prevent the digital divide and, therefore, that the consolidation of the knowledge society generates uneven regional developments.

To conduct this analysis, in addition to relevant literature review will examine existing databases on the various projects currently underway in the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade, and various institutions of the Spanish autonomous communities to avoid existence of digital divide and explore how far are proving effective in achieving balanced socio-economic development throughout the country.