The economic impact of digital inclusion in the UK

Could digital inclusion result in an economic impact?

Our research found that investment of £1.4 billion could reap economic benefits of £13.7 billion for UK plc. This is £9.48 return for every £1 invested. 

Understanding the scale of these economic benefits should be critical for those making decisions about policy and investment, at a national, regional and local level. This paper sets out the economic case for investing in interventions to help digitally excluded people build their basic digital skills. It is based on analysis by Cebr (Centre for Economics and Business Research), commissioned by us in partnership with Capita.

The potential economic impact of digital inclusion

• £9.48 return for every £1 invested
• £1.4 billion in efficiency savings for government
• £3.5 billion savings for individuals through online shopping

Although progress has already been made in reducing the digitally excluded population,  there is still more that needs to be done – and we’re calling for action to fix the digital divide so that people and the economy can experience these benefits.

When the report launched, Helen Milner OBE, Group CEO of Good Things Foundation, said, “Digital inclusion remains an urgent issue in the UK. It is crucial for the UK’s economic success, and for the Government’s ambitions to level up. We have to act now to not only realise these significant savings, but to ensure that individuals can feel these benefits too."

Paul Abraham, Managing Director and Client Partner for Capita’s Local Public Service division, said, “This report shows that investing in digital inclusion creates economic opportunities that benefit both citizens and communities. We are proud to be working with the Good Things Foundation to close the digital divide, build a more inclusive society and help the UK Government level up towns and cities across the country.”