Mission Oriented Innovation to close the Gender Digital Divide (GIZ)

Arguments

A significant digital divide exists in Latin America and the Caribbean

Supporting facts:

• 80% of people are internet users

• 65% households are connected to the internet

• One third of children between five and 12 are not connected to the internet

• 25% of young people between 13 and 25 are not online

Topics: Digital Divide, Internet Access

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Need for mission-oriented policy innovation to bridge the gender-digital divide and boost digital skills

Supporting facts:

• The gender access gap is relatively small, but there is an issues regarding digital skills

• Women are underrepresented in STEM fields

• Women represent only 30% of all STEM graduates

Topics: Mission-oriented Innovation, Gender-Digital Divide, Digital Skills

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Advocacy for clear governance and institutional frameworks for the design of digital policies and agendas

Supporting facts:

• Promotion of the development of clear strategies to close the digital divide

• Assessment of the maturity of governance and framework around digital strategies

• Advocacy for intergovernmental coordination committees within governance models

• Promotion of spaces for work with other stakeholders, especially private sector

Topics: Governance, Institutional Frameworks, Digital Policies

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Report

Latin America and the Caribbean face a significant digital divide, with a large portion of the population lacking access to the internet. While 80% of people in the region are internet users, there is still a sizable proportion without connectivity. Specifically, one-third of children aged five to 12 and 25% of young people aged 13 to 25 are not connected.

This digital divide presents a challenge that needs to be addressed to ensure equal opportunities for education and information access. Furthermore, there is a need to bridge the gender-digital divide and enhance digital skills in the region. Although the gender gap in internet connectivity is relatively small, there are issues concerning digital skills.

Women are underrepresented in STEM fields, accounting for only 30% of all STEM graduates. This gender disparity hinders progress towards achieving gender equality and limits the overall development potential of the region. Therefore, there is a call for mission-oriented policy innovation to tackle this divide by promoting initiatives that encourage women’s participation in STEM fields and provide them with the necessary digital skills.

To design effective digital policies and agendas, there is a strong argument for clear governance and institutional frameworks. Promoting the development of clear strategies to close the digital divide is essential. Assessing the maturity of governance and framework surrounding digital strategies can help identify areas for improvement and establish effective mechanisms for implementation.

Advocating for intergovernmental coordination committees within governance models can facilitate collaboration and coordination between different stakeholders. Additionally, promoting collaboration with other stakeholders, particularly the private sector, can bring together resources and expertise for the successful implementation of digital policies. In conclusion, the region of Latin America and the Caribbean faces significant challenges in terms of internet access and the gender-digital divide.

Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that includes bridging the digital divide, enhancing digital skills, and promoting gender equality. Mission-oriented innovation can provide a comprehensive solution by incorporating various methodologies and perspectives. Collaboration with partners is crucial in closing the gender gap and effectively addressing the digital divide in the region.

Advocacy for clear governance and institutional frameworks is essential for successfully designing and implementing digital policies and agendas.

Arguments

More focus is required on the lack of adoption and use, beyond just infrastructure investment

Supporting facts:

• 95% of the world population is covered by infrastructure, but there’s lack of uptake

• Challenges include affordability of handsets and data, lack of basic digital skills, safety and security concerns and the availability of relevant content and services

Topics: Digital Inclusion, Telecommunication, Investment, Adoption

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Correct data is necessary for setting right mission and target, especially for achieving gender-equality in digital space

Supporting facts:

• In one telecom operator in Bangladesh, 80% of their female customer base was registered in the customer base as male

• Lack of correct data can lead to wrong target-setting

Topics: Gender Equality, Employee Registration, Data

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Bank of Botswana has established a national fintech working group to adopt innovative fintech initiatives

Supporting facts:

• National fintech working group includes stakeholders from different departments, industries and sectors

• The strategy aims to facilitate adoption of innovative fintech solutions to drive and deepen financial inclusion

Topics: Fintech Initiatives, Bank of Botswana, National Fintech Working Group

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Report

The analysis highlights several key points regarding digital inclusion and the challenges that need to be addressed. Firstly, it emphasizes the need for more focus on the lack of adoption and usage of digital infrastructure, going beyond just investing in it.

While 95% of the world population has access to infrastructure, there is a significant lack of uptake. This can be attributed to various challenges, including the affordability of handsets and data, a lack of basic digital skills, safety and security concerns, and inadequate availability of relevant content and services.

Furthermore, the analysis stresses the importance of collaboration in solving the digital inclusion challenge. It is noted that working across different ministries and entities is challenging and often requires the involvement of international partners. Multiple stakeholders need to come together to address the complex issue of digital inclusion.

Organizations such as the World Bank and UN agencies play a crucial role in bringing together these multi-stakeholder partnerships within countries to find solutions. Another significant point raised in the analysis is the need for correct data in setting targets, particularly in achieving gender equality in the digital space.

In one example, it is highlighted that 80% of the female customer base of a telecom operator in Bangladesh was registered as male, due to incorrect data. This underscores the importance of accurate data to ensure that the right mission and targets are set for gender equality in the digital ecosystem.

Moreover, the analysis emphasizes the urgency of focusing on women in digital inclusion efforts. It is noted that women are already lagging behind in the digital ecosystem, and simply aiming for 50% funding for women in micro-enterprise programs may not effectively bridge the digital divide.

More comprehensive and targeted approaches are required to address the specific challenges faced by women in the digital space. Additionally, the analysis highlights the establishment of a national fintech working group by the Bank of Botswana to adopt innovative fintech initiatives.

This working group includes stakeholders from different departments, industries, and sectors, aiming to drive and deepen financial inclusion. The presence of a cross-sectoral strategy for the group is considered essential, and the speaker welcomes any guidance in developing such a strategy.

In conclusion, the analysis underscores the need for a holistic approach towards digital inclusion, beyond infrastructure investment. Collaboration, accurate data, and targeted efforts towards women are crucial to bridge the digital divide. The establishment of a national fintech working group illustrates a proactive step towards adopting innovative fintech solutions for financial inclusion.

The analysis provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for achieving digital inclusion and highlights the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration and targeted strategies.

Arguments

Mission-oriented innovation is about formulating measurable, time-bound goals that necessitate investment in different sectors and require a portfolio of projects and investments.

Supporting facts:

• Mariana Mazzucato’s work influenced EU policies and triggered new thinking among governments.

• Missions often combine quantifiable and intangible goals.

• Viable Cities Commission in Sweden developed an interesting dynamic portfolio approach.

Topics: Innovation, Mission-oriented Innovation, Sustainable Development Goals

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Mission-oriented innovation in the global south potentially requires the adaptation of existing practices and coordination mechanisms.

Supporting facts:

• Jal Jeevan mission in India provides tap water to all households by 2024 through strategic investments in technological innovations.

• In London conference 2008, multiple global south governments committed to provide access to family planning methods by 2020, and now by 2030 with country-specific goals.

Topics: Global South, International Development, Policy Coordination

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Mission should have longevity beyond electoral cycles, it requires agreement and traction from populace and industry

Supporting facts:

• Transition to net zero by 2050

• Change of administration or government should not deter mission

Topics: Policy Design, Election, Industry, Public

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Difference in emergence of mission between top-down and bottom-up approaches

Supporting facts:

• Top-down missions often have clear commitments without much public consideration

• Bottom-up missions result from grassroots movement, eg. Germany’s Energiewende or nuclear energy exit

Topics: Policy Design, Public participation

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Mission formulation needs to consider those parts of society and industry who might lose out

Supporting facts:

• Gas and oil industry and their substantial lobbying power are example of incumbents who might be disadvantaged

Topics: Policy Design, Industry, Lobbying

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Need for level of innovation ecosystem maturity

Supporting facts:

• In Global South there’s often insufficient infrastructure and production capabilities, as seen in lack of Covid vaccine production. These should be assessed and invested in.

Topics: Innovation, Covid-19, Global North and South

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Report

Mission-oriented innovation is a strategic approach that involves setting measurable, time-bound goals that require investment across different sectors and a diverse portfolio of projects. This approach has had a significant impact on EU policies and has stimulated new thinking among governments worldwide.

In the Global South, mission-oriented innovation requires the adaptation of existing practices and coordination mechanisms to address specific challenges in those regions. For example, India’s Jal Jeevan mission aims to provide tap water to all households by 2024 through strategic investments in technological innovations.

This demonstrates the need for tailored approaches to innovation in different contexts. The public sector has historically played a crucial role in driving innovation. Governments often provide support for scientific research and development, leading to transformative breakthroughs. One notable example is the smartphone, which emerged as a result of publicly-funded research and development.

Additionally, government-backed institutions like CERN have made groundbreaking contributions to innovation. However, managing innovation investments in the public sector can be challenging. Balancing risks and rewards is particularly important in this context, as public organizations often lack portfolio management strategies.

The prevalent problems include the fallacy of isolated and insufficiently aligned investments, as well as the dominance of hype cycles and over-reliance on senior management. These issues need to be addressed to ensure the effective and efficient use of resources.

Longevity beyond electoral cycles and gaining agreement and traction from the populace and industry stakeholders are crucial for missions. This underscores the importance of establishing a sustainable and inclusive framework for mission-oriented innovation. Furthermore, missions can emerge through different approaches.

Top-down missions are often characterized by clear commitments but may lack public consideration. On the other hand, bottom-up missions result from grassroots movements and can be more responsive to the needs and aspirations of the affected communities. In formulating missions, it is essential to consider the potential impact on different sectors of society and industry.

For instance, the gas and oil industry may be disadvantaged due to the shift towards sustainable goals. Therefore, inclusive mission formulation is necessary to ensure that all stakeholders are taken into account. Assessing and investing in infrastructure and production capabilities are crucial for innovation ecosystem maturity, particularly in the Global South.

The lack of Covid vaccine production in the region highlights the insufficient infrastructure and production capacity. Addressing these gaps is important to foster innovation and ensure equitable access to new technologies and solutions. Lastly, prioritizing and dictating solutions from the Global North to the Global South is not ideal.

Instead, missions in low-income countries should originate from inquiry and differential understanding, driven by the people affected. It is vital to empower and involve local communities to ensure that their needs and aspirations guide mission formulation. In conclusion, mission-oriented innovation represents a strategic and measurable approach to driving positive change.

It has the potential to influence policies, trigger new thinking, and address complex challenges. However, it requires careful consideration of different factors, including adaptation to local contexts, portfolio management strategies, engagement with stakeholders, and a focus on equity and inclusivity.

By implementing these principles, mission-oriented innovation can contribute to sustainable development and the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Arguments

Mission-oriented innovation is seen as a powerful tool to address the gender-digital gap in partner countries

Supporting facts:

• German Development Corporation is committed to a feminist development policy in the digital age, focusing on inclusive digital public infrastructure, fair regulation and digital skill

• The collaboration with OECD aims to explore the potential of mission-oriented innovations

Topics: mission-oriented innovation, gender-digital gap, low and middle-income countries

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Technical advancements should not perpetuate existing discrimination, particularly based on gender

Supporting facts:

• Despite increased global connectivity, 260 million fewer women than men have internet access

• Women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, face exclusion from digital opportunities, impacting areas like health services and employment in the digital economy

Topics: Gender Equality, Discrimination, Digital Transformation

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Achieving gender equality in the digital sphere is crucial

Supporting facts:

• Closing the digital gender divide is an important priority for the ministry

• Women in low and middle-income countries face exclusion from digital opportunities

Topics: Gender Equality, Digital Sphere

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Report

In a collaborative effort between the German Development Corporation and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), mission-oriented innovation is seen as a powerful tool to address the gender-digital gap in partner countries. The focus of this initiative is on creating inclusive digital public infrastructure, establishing fair regulations, and developing digital skills.

The aim is to bridge the gender divide in access to and usage of digital technologies in order to achieve gender equality in the digital sphere. It is crucial to ensure that technical advancements do not perpetuate existing discrimination, particularly based on gender.

Despite increased global connectivity, there are still 260 million fewer women than men who have internet access. This disparity is particularly evident in low- and middle-income countries, where women face exclusion from digital opportunities. This exclusion has negative consequences in areas such as access to healthcare services and employment in the digital economy.

Therefore, addressing this issue and striving for equal digital opportunities for all genders is imperative. The achievement of gender equality in the digital sphere is considered a significant priority. The ministry recognises the importance of closing the digital gender divide and is committed to taking action to ensure that women in low- and middle-income countries are not left behind in the digital revolution.

By providing equal access to digital opportunities and resources, women can actively participate in and benefit from the digital sphere. In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of the German Development Corporation and the OECD in promoting mission-oriented innovation offer a promising approach to addressing the gender-digital gap in partner countries.

Prioritising inclusive digital infrastructure, fair regulation, and digital skill development are key in creating equal opportunities for all genders. It is vital to be cautious and ensure that technical advancements do not perpetuate gender-based discrimination. Bridging the digital gender divide is crucial for achieving gender equality in the digital sphere and enabling women in low- and middle-income countries to fully participate in the digital revolution.

Arguments

The session is about exploring mission-oriented innovation and its usefulness in addressing the gender digital divide

Supporting facts:

• Conducting a session to discuss mission-oriented innovation and gender digital divide

• Some audience members are unfamiliar with mission-oriented innovation

• Few audience members work on the gender digital divide

Topics: mission-oriented innovation, gender digital divide

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Stella Deppe acknowledges and appreciates the initiative of the Bank of Botswana to establish a fintech working group

Supporting facts:

• Bank of Botswana has established a fintech working group that is aimed at facilitating the adoption of innovative fintech initiatives at the national level

• The group comprises stakeholders from various sectors such as the financial service sector, and government departments, among others

Topics: Bank of Botswana, Fintech working group

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Stella Deppe emphasizes the importance of comprehending the role of development cooperation providers and actors in mission-oriented innovation

Supporting facts:

• Stella Deppe indicated that GIZ and the ministry are collaborating with the OECD to better understand their role in mission-oriented innovation

Topics: Mission-oriented innovation, Development cooperation providers

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Report

This session explores the concept of mission-oriented innovation and its potential in addressing the gender digital divide. One of the supporting facts is that some audience members are unfamiliar with mission-oriented innovation, while few audience members actually work on the gender digital divide.

The session aims to explore the usefulness of mission-oriented innovation in bridging this divide. Stella, who works for GIZ, an organisation that implements projects on subjects like the gender digital divide, supports the use of mission-oriented innovation to work on this issue.

She aims to understand the background and experiences of the audience regarding the gender digital divide. The Bank of Botswana has taken an initiative by establishing a fintech working group with the goal of facilitating the adoption of innovative fintech initiatives at the national level.

This group comprises stakeholders from various sectors, such as the financial service sector and government departments. Stella Deppe acknowledges and appreciates this initiative, recognizing its potential to drive and deepen financial inclusion, particularly for marginalised communities and small and medium enterprises.

Ruth Baitsepi mentioned that the fintech group aims to deepen financial inclusion for these communities and enterprises. Stella also emphasises the importance of comprehending the role of development cooperation providers and actors in mission-oriented innovation. GIZ and the ministry she works with are partnering with the OECD to better understand this role.

She believes that a better understanding and implementation of mission-oriented innovation in a concrete and evidence-based way is crucial to avoid any “mission washing.” To summarise, this session explores the potential of mission-oriented innovation in addressing the gender digital divide.

Stella Deppe fully supports this approach and appreciates the efforts made by the Bank of Botswana in establishing a fintech working group to promote innovative fintech initiatives. She believes in working towards a better understanding and implementation of mission-oriented innovation in a concrete and evidence-based manner, emphasising the importance of comprehending the role of development cooperation providers in this process.