Vulnerable publics and digital empowerment: The challenge of an e-inclusive society

The fight against poverty and social exclusion is, to a greater or lesser extent, a constant feature in European strategies for economic growth and employment generation and is featured in related research frameworks andprograms. At present, the concepts of exclusion and inclusion include access to and use of information and communication technologies and networks. Due to its relevance and increasing weight in social policies, it is necessary to make progress in the definition and application of concepts such as exclusion, vulnerability, and empowerment within the framework of digital societies. The investment and dedication of resources to conduct research into the social sciences and humanities is, therefore, a fundamental necessity.