Members of the public across Scotland are invited to take part in a national Inquiry into the changing role of digital technology, hosted by The Royal Society of Edinburgh
The Inquiry will explore how digital technologies and the Internet (including the World Wide Web, mobile devices, mobile apps, email and social networking sites) are used by the public, businesses, government and charities on a day-to-day basis.
It will examine what information, services and opportunities digital technologies can offer, and seek to understand how the benefits can be shared by all.
Consultation workshops will be held in Dundee on Tuesday 2nd July 2013, at Central Library, The Wellgate, Dundee, DD1 1DB
To book a place at one of these workshops please contact Elizabeth Hemsley, 0131 240 2789 ehemsley@royalsoced.org.uk
Workshops for the day are as follows:
11am – 12.30pm Consultation with representatives from the statutory and voluntary sectors, including health, education, local councils, support providers and housing associations. (Lunch provided)
2.30pm – 4.30pm Members of the public are encouraged to drop in and contribute to discussions about their own use of digital technologies and the internet. (Refreshments available)
5.30pm – 7.30pm Local business and enterprise organisations are invited to discuss how digital technologies are currently used and any barriers they face. (Refreshments available)
The Royal Society of Edinburgh invites individuals and organisations from all sectors to give evidence as part of the Inquiry and to bring it to the attention of others for wider circulation.
About the Inquiry
The Internet has opened up access to innovative and exciting means of communication. It allows new ways of collecting, processing and accessing information through a range of digital tools. It enables new forms of business innovation, enterprise and collaboration, and offers improvements in the delivery of a range of services.
However, the Internet can pose both real and perceived threats to our privacy, personal lives and social values. Whilst the use of digital technology is increasing, there are still many who see no reason to go online and feel no motivation to engage with digital media. This inquiry is keen to explore individual motivations for using the internet, including why many still opt out of internet use, and what might be required in the form of guidance and protection to support confident digital engagement.
An earlier Digital Scotland inquiry examined internet connectivity and the median connection speeds across Scotland, and made a series of recommendations to improve connectivity. Following on from this, the current inquiry will examine how the benefits of internet access and digital media can be shared across all sectors of society, so that access to the internet narrows, rather than widens, social divides. A particular focus will be on how Scotland can ensure that everyone is able to participate in, and benefit from, improved access to digital technologies in the future.
The inquiry will examine the individual skills and motivation required for people to engage with digital technologies, as well as looking at the potential benefits of digital participation for different communities and groups. The inquiry will also explore the barriers to, and risks of, digital participation experienced by different groups. The aim of the inquiry is to understand the different ways in which organisations and individuals can use the internet and digital technologies for wider social, economic and cultural benefits. We hope to address a wide range of issues and welcome all responses.
Our final report will make recommendations on public policy for Spreading the Benefits of a Digital Scotland.
The key research areas of the Inquiry are
- Identifying the benefits of digital participation and how they might be spread;
- Understanding the obstacles and risks that may limit digital participation; and
- Identifying what motivates people to go online.
Responses to all or some of these areas are welcome – the more information available to the inquiry, the better informed our recommendations will be.
We welcome examples of good practice, (what works well, where and why?) and practical ideas of how digital media can be used to solve problems or meet currently unmet needs.
Can’t attend the event?
Submissions in a range of formats are welcome; they can be submitted online, by email or post.
Online: http://digiscot.net
Email: digiscot@royalsoced.org.uk
Post: The Digital Inquiry, The Royal Society of Edinburgh, 22-26 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PQ