A report (on behalf of the telecommunications firm, BT) said that up to 23 million people would be at risk of digital exclusion by 2025 if no significant policy interventions were made. It focused on the importance of digital engagement (rather than merely access) for the majority of the population.
Source: The Digital Divide in 2025, Future Foundation (020 7250 3343)
Links: Report (pdf)
Date: 2004-Dec
An official report identified social groups at most risk of digital exclusion, and actions to encourage them to take up information and communication technologies that could help improve their lives. The Alliance for Digital Inclusion was launched at the same time - a group of private and voluntary sector organizations formed to promote the use of ICT for social benefit (as recommended in the report).
Source: Enabling a Digitally United Kingdom: A framework for action, Cabinet Office (020 7261 8527)
Links: Report (pdf) | Cabinet Office press release | Help the Aged press release
Date: 2004-Oct
A report by an expert group made a number of detailed recommendations on the steps that needed to be taken to ensure the public was ready for digital television switchover. It recommended assistance for low-income households with the cost of conversion, including the cost of replacing aerials and installation where necessary.
Source: Consumer Expert Group, Persuasion or Compulsion? Consumers and analogue switch-off, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (020 7211 6200)
Links: Report (pdf) | DCMS press release | ACRE press release (pdf)
Date: 2004-Oct
A think-tank paper said that companies developing nanotechnology should be far more open about its implications if they were to avoid a 'GM-style' backlash.
Source: James Wilsdon and Rebecca Willis, See-through Science: Why public engagement needs to move upstream, Demos, available from Central Books (020 8986 5488)
Links: Report (pdf) | Demos press release
Date: 2004-Sep
A literature review explored the evidence for how community informatics initiatives could help challenge social inequalities surrounding the growing use of information technology. The extent and robustness of current empirical research in community informatics was not sufficient to help policy-makers and practitioners to design and implement effective strategies and actions.
Source: Brian Loader and Leigh Keeble, Challenging the Digital Divide? A review of online community support, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, available from York Publishing Services Ltd (01904 430033)
Links: Report (pdf) | JRF Findings 584
Date: 2004-May
The government outlined its plans to introduce a long-term strategy for supporting science. It announced a fundamental review of funding needs and policy priorities for science, engineering and innovation, with a ten-year investment plan as a central priority for the 2004 Spending Review, and published a consultation document.
Source: Press release 2 March 2004, HM Treasury (020 7270 4558) | Science and Innovation: Working towards a ten-year investment framework, HM Treasury, Department of Trade and Industry, and Department for Education and Skills
Links: HMT press release (1) | HMT press release (2) | Review terms of reference (pdf) | Consultation document (pdf) | Guardian report
Date: 2004-Mar