Influence of digital divide in the entrepreneurial motor of a digital economy: a system dynamics approach

Abstract

The creation of digital ventures in developing countries is an alternative to the generation of jobs in the ICT sector, but the lack of qualified individuals in ICT-related skills inhibits the growth of new companies, a gap that is analyzed with the digital divide theory. This research aims to understand the dynamics using a simulation model that combines aspects of the adoption of ICTS, internet availability, skills, with the entrepreneurial motor of innovation systems. The methodology is developed with data from a national ICT survey and organizations in Colombia. Different scenarios are analyzed regarding ICT education and inclusive policies. Results show that Covid-19 pandemic consequences could have a negative effect during five years and that under a scenario of accelerated growth of ICT, the sector could demand up to 400.000 ICT- related jobs by 2035. The main contribution of this research is the understanding of the ICT systems from an inclusive perspective, identifying the key variables that determine the growth of ventures and the development of digital skills among individuals.