From the notion of the "digital divide" to the policy of e-Inclusion

Hardly more than a decade ago, we stressed the mere existence of socio-economic differences stemming from the discrepancies in the availability of information and ICT equipment, the so-called,digital divide". We described and analysed the phenomenon itself, rather than concentrating on the solution of related problems. Still, with the help of this notion, we succeeded in drawing attention to the fact that even in the information societies of developed countries a marked divide was developing between deprived and privileged groups because the spread of ICT significantly reinforced existing differences in terms of employment, income, and cultural opportunities. The everyday use of ICT, for example in communication, in learning, and in obtaining access to several services, has become a factor influencing the quality of life and the chances for start-ups. As a consequence of this quality change, the term,,digital divide" has been replaced by e-Inclusion, which does not refer only to the "gap" any longer but emphasizes the ways, the means, and the opportunities to bridge this gap.