Digital technologies have proven to be crucial in tackling the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Many innovations that emerged during the crisis are here to stay for the long term, including those in digital healthcare, online schooling and remote work. Yet countries and regions without widespread broadband access didn‘t get to fully benefit from the digital age. During the coronavirus crisis, inadequate access to broadband coverage has worsened the development gap between urban and rural areas even further. What will it take to achieve universal, affordable and good quality broadband in less developed areas? What are the most promising solutions by governments and businesses to improve connectivity in rural settlements? The speed of technological progress is not matched by the skills offered on labour markets or the evolution of education systems – how do we address the widening digital skills divide?
- Peter Balík, Director, Department for Innovations, Strategic Investments and Analyses, Ministry for Investments, Regional Development and Informatization of the Slovak Republic
- Amnah Ajmal, EVP for Market Development, MEA, Mastercard
- Endre Ascsillan, Vice President at GE Global, General Electric
- Vazil Hudák, Vice Chair, Board of Directors, GLOBSEC
- Led by: Alena Kudzko, Vice-President, GLOBSEC & Director of GLOBSEC Policy Institute