The idea of a social good can trace its history back to the philosophers of ancient Greece. It is defined as something that benefits the largest number of people in the largest possible way. Examples might be clean air and water, healthcare or literacy. The provision of social goods provides the basis for charitable and philanthropic work. In the 21st century, Digital can have a similar affect.
The idea that digital technologies can be a social good is clearly seen in their deployment across developing and frontier markets. These technologies are critical in providing access to essential amenities, thus significantly improving the quality of life. A notable example is their role in delivering vital services to a large segment of the population who were previously underserved by traditional systems.
For those earning less than $2 per day around the world, access to digital technologies could be transformative. In places like the Philippines and Indonesia, digital access could boost incomes by 10%, and by as much as 30% in Cambodia. While nations like India demonstrate the vast potential of digital inclusion, with nearly universal connectivity, countries like Kenya, where almost one in three adults lack access to basic digital services, illustrate the significant opportunities for improvement.
