Doctoraat Ilse Mariën
The main goal of this doctoral research project is to develop alternative policy approaches to counter digital exclusion based on a critical analysis of the implications for policy making of the transition in digital divide theory. Focus therefore lies on the following research questions: How have digital exclusion mechanisms evolved throughout the last ten years? What additional elements determine the risk of digital exclusion? / How do these elements relate and influence one another? / How and amongst what population groups are digital exclusion mechanisms manifested? What changes have occurred during the last ten years in digital inclusion policy and bottom-up approaches? How has digital inclusion policy evolved throughout the last ten years in Flanders? What approaches have been developed in the past ten years by grassroots organizations and at what level do they address digital exclusion? What new policy measures can be taken to counter digital exclusion and improve current digital inclusion policies? In terms of top-down policy measures? In terms of support for grassroots organizations combating digital exclusion?