Digital transformation for development: a human capital key or system of oppression?

Abstract

Digital transformation goes beyond digitalization to make radical changes to organisational models and social structures. It takes people with knowledge, skills and motivation to use ICTs to be able to carry out digital transformation. Human capital is seen to be the key for effective digital transformation as it can fuel sustainable development when people use ICTs to lead the lives they choose to live. Unless there is a transformation in capabilities, access to ICTs, requisite skills and knowledge, then digital transformation will merely exacerbate existing inequalities. It will need to touch personal psychology: not merely enabling the marginalised to participate but offering them the ability use digitalization to improve their lives. The human capital key to digital transformation is offered as a means of attaining positive cycles of sustainable development. Lessons learned from papers in this issue throw insight into ways of applying digital technologies to overcome forces of oppression.