Bridging Digital Divides: a Literature Review and Research Agenda for Information Systems Research

• Published in: Information systems frontiers Vol. 25; no. 3; pp. 955 - 969
• Main Authors: Vassilakopoulou, Polyxeni, Hustad, Eli
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01-06-2023; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Business and Management; Control; Information systems; IT in Business; Literature reviews; Management of Computing and Information Systems; Operations Research/Decision Theory; Systems Theory; Digitalization; Digital divide; Sustainability; Digital inequalities; Information systems research
• ISSN: 1387-3326; 1572-9419
• DOI: 10.1007/s10796-020-10096-3

Extant literature has increased our understanding of the multifaceted nature of the digital divide, showing that it entails more than access to information and communication resources. Research indicates that digital inequality mirrors to a significant extent offline inequality related to socioeconomic resources. Bridging digital divides is critical for sustainable digitalized societies. Ιn this paper, we present a literature review of Information Systems research on the digital divide within settings with advanced technological infrastructures and economies over the last decade (2010–2020). The review results are organized in a concept matrix mapping contributing factors and measures for crossing the divides. Building on the results, we elaborate a research agenda that proposes [1] extending established models of digital inequalities with new variables and use of theory, [2] critically examining the effects of digital divide interventions, and [3] better linking digital divide research with research on sustainability.