Components of Digital Society

As the world adjusts to a new normal centred around internet connectivity and digital services, the need to accelerate progress to full-fledged, inclusive digital societies has become more important than ever. In the last year, governments across Asia Pacific have implemented measures to improve access to and drive usage of digital technologies in society; they have also initiated wide-reaching digital transformation plans within the public sector to improve service delivery. As economic activities begin to pick up again, digital technologies will be central to efforts to ensure more resilient and inclusive growth. Enhanced connectivity and digital technologies are already enabling new operating models as well as opening up access to new markets and supply chains for businesses.

Digital platforms are an increasingly prominent feature of digital societies. These internet-enabled, multi-sided services cater to both providers and users (e.g. consumers, vendors and governments). Platform-based models have disrupted traditional business models and linear value chains across many sectors by enabling interactions between two or more interdependent groups, helping to eliminate inefficiencies and extend the reach of services to a greater number of customers.

Digital Citizenship

Digital citizenship interaction between government, businesses and citizens specifically in the provision and use of public services over digital channels. The use of technology for two-way interactions between governments and citizens, with the potential to increase accountability, information sharing and mutual trust.  

Digital Lifestyle

Use of smart devices to access locally relevant content and non-core communication solutions that o
er a more convenient experience. The pandemic has accelerated the use digital technologies in everyday activities, including work, social interactions, learning, shopping, healthcare and entertainment. The digital-first approach to many of these activities will be a defining feature of future digital societies

Digital Commerce

Simplifying a commerce activity by expanding access to marketplaces, replacing physical cash, and facilitating the processing and delivery of orders over digital channels. Underpinned by digital payments, digital commerce will become more prevalent in future digital societies as business reshape their operating models to take advantage of the reach and resilience o
ffered by online transactions.  

Digital Identity

Proof of identity is a prerequisite to socioeconomic development and essential to accessing basic services; mobile technology is uniquely positioned to enable accessible and inclusive digital identity. As more transactions move online with little or no physical interaction, the ability to prove one’s identity in a digital form will be essential to economic, financial and social inclusion. 

Connectivity

Fast, reliable and continuous individual access to the internet is the foundation for the creation, distribution and consumption of digital applications and services. The more people there are in a society who can access fast, reliable and a
dordable internet services on a regular basis, the more likely it is for governments and businesses to engage with them and deliver services over digital channels.