Why Does Digital Inclusion Differ among Countries? A Multidimensional Approach

This research aims to determine how countries can currently improve their level of digital inclusion. The research considers that digital inclusion has several dimensions; therefore, digital inclusion is measured through a set of indicators and a composite variable. The empirical analysis uses a panel regression approach, covering a six-year period and including data from 136 countries. The findings show that three variables have a positive impact on the overall level of digital inclusion: a country's wealth, its level of innovation, and one of the cultural dimensions, long-term orientation. When the components of digital inclusion are analyzed, some variables have a positive influence on certain components and a negative influence on others, resulting in a neutral aggregate impact. The main practical implication is that digital inclusion should be analyzed according to its components, and each nation should focus on the factors that hinder digital inclusion.