The word ‘technology’ is used so frequently that many people are unclear about its precise meaning. Some think primarily of gadgets, such as phones, cars, hi-fi’s and robotic grass cutters, while others have a more generalised view that it means all the things that make today different from the past.

The advent of technology has transformed every aspect of business and everyday life, and it is now accelerating at an ever-increasing pace. However, not everyone has the opportunity to benefit from it: the digital divide is wide and the majority of those who remain offline are rural, poor, elderly or illiterate. It is critical that the benefits of technology are harnessed to address this challenge and help these individuals participate in the global digital economy.

Democratising access to information

For example, students who may not be stimulated by their curriculum material can still learn substantial new knowledge and skills by taking courses online from home, work or the library. Similarly, teachers can connect with their students in a different way using online tools such as instant messaging and video conferencing.

Increasing the speed of job creation

Technology can make it quicker and easier to find new jobs in the economy, and create new ways to earn income. It can also increase productivity, which in turn generates growth and surpluses that allow people to invest in businesses and themselves. This can be achieved by innovating how humans interact with machines, or through the use of automation tools that can reduce the time and labour required to achieve expected outputs.