Cisco and the OECD WISE Centre are collaborating on a groundbreaking initiative to develop an interactive knowledge hub aimed at comprehending the role of technology in fostering inclusion and improving well-being. The rapid pace of digital transformation, coupled with advancements in AI, necessitates a global dialogue on the impact of technological change on people’s lives. While technology can be a force for good, it also poses risks to well-being, including mental health, digital divides, cybersecurity threats, and disinformation.
The partnership’s focus is to build a global knowledge hub for data and evidence on the influence of digital transformation on various aspects of people’s lives and well-being. By doing so, Cisco and the OECD WISE Centre aim to contribute to positive impacts on the lives of billions worldwide, promoting inclusion and equal opportunities for all in a global digital economy.
Key Highlights:
- Global Conversation on Digital Transformation:
- Cisco and the OECD WISE Centre are uniting to explore the complex nature of digital transformation and its dual role as both a catalyst for progress and a potential source of risks to well-being.
- Interactive Digital Platform:
- The collaboration aims to create an interactive, dynamic, and engaging digital platform for sharing experiences. This platform will help develop a detailed understanding of how digital technologies influence different aspects of people’s lives, addressing the impact of the digital divide and inequalities in the uptake and use of digital technologies.
- Incorporating OECD Well-being Framework:
- Grounded in the OECD Well-being Framework, the platform will gather new statistics and insights on digital well-being. This includes addressing the impact of digital divides and inequalities in the adoption and use of digital technologies.
- Cisco’s Commitment to Digital Inclusion:
- This collaboration extends Cisco’s commitment to addressing the digital divide through its Country Digital Acceleration program. Cisco emphasizes the importance of collective efforts from governments, industry, educational institutions, non-profits, and community leaders to prioritize collective well-being in the digital age.
- Understanding Risks and Unlocking Value:
- Cisco and the OECD collectively leverage their expertise to understand the risks and unlock the value of digitization across various sectors and industries. The partnership aims to power safe and inclusive communities and resilient economies.
- Holistic Approach to Well-being:
- The research conducted by Cisco and the OECD will cover 11 key dimensions of well-being, including education and skills, healthcare, jobs and earnings, income and wealth, smart communities, work-life balance, environmental sustainability, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, governance and civic engagement, and housing.
- Upcoming Digital Well-being Hub:
- The partnership plans to launch the ‘Digital Well-being Hub’ in the second half of 2024. Additionally, Cisco will participate in the OECD’s World Forum on Well-being in November 2024.
This initiative marks a significant step in understanding the role of technology in a broader definition of well-being and aims to empower individuals to navigate the digital landscape responsibly. By creating a knowledge hub and conducting research, Cisco and the OECD seek to inform decision-making and promote a healthy relationship with emerging technology.