Digital inclusion in Sweden done in the “Digidel way”

Abstract

During 2010 a national campaign called Digidel2013 were launched in Sweden. Digidel2013 was a network of organizations that had a common goal, to reduce the digital exclusion by 500 000 people. In 2010 1,5 million Swedes were excluded, in 2013 that was reduced to 1 million.

A focus on the feeling of being included from the individual’s point of view has been an important parameter to monitor through the Swedish Internet statistic.

Digidel2013 was a national network and campaign that worked towards a common goal, but with each organisations mission as a base. All over Sweden projects were launched, giving Internet instructions, training sessions and mini courses, often at a library but in cooperation with other organisations or partners.

Digidel has influenced the library plans and the cultural plans. And it is also possible that the focus on digital inclusion have made an impact on the Swedish Library Act.

Big five of building a movement: 1. Interest driven (make it playful). 2. Free access (a place to go, a person to ask). 3. Free of charge (at the first steps of learning). 4. Networks (at the national, regional and local level). 5. Build a brand.

The name Digidel is short of digital delaktighet, digital inclusion.