Digital skills and jobs
Target 8.2 Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors
Digitalisation facilitates access to job opportunities through online platforms and job portals. These platforms connect employers with a diverse pool of talent, including remote and freelance workers, promoting inclusivity and accessibility. Digitalisation has played a central role in enabling SMEs to reach new markets, run the business and manage the earnings. This was particularly obvious during the COVID-19 pandemic where businesses that already had an online presence could continue operating without delay.
Sustainable economic growth overlaps with Life-long learning as online education and training programs for continuous learning and skill development. This helps individuals adapt to changing job market demands and promotes lifelong learning.
Digital platforms can also be used to inform workers of their rights, collect evidence about hazardous workplace environments or practices, and protect whistle-blowers and workplace safety activists.
To conclude, digital technologies like mobile money have provided financial services for the unbanked allowing people to pay bills, send remittances, and pay for social services through their phones. At the same time, the use of digital payment systems like mobile money, makes combatting corruption by eliminating the handling of physical money.
How SPIDER partners ensured income in times of lock-down
CASSA in Bolivia worked with Lidia who was able to up her skills in social media marketing and insure an income during the COVID 19 pandemic. See the impact of SPIDER’s support.
Explore SPIDER’s work for the Sustainable Development Goals
Gender Equality and Equity
SPIDER works with gender equity throughout all its projects in minor or major ways. An intesectional lense is applied.
ICT Policy is essential for digital solitions
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Digital for monitoring environmental change
It is argued that climate change affects the poor more than the rich, so how can we monitor and react to change this?
F.A.Q.
Digitialisation can transform informal work and improve financial inclusion. It can also lead to precarious working conditions where platform based employment erodes job stability, secure income and access to social protections.
How can digitalisation contribute to reducing informal employment?
Digital platforms and technologies can help formalise informal economies by providing tools for financial inclusion and give access to social protection. This facilitate transitions from informal to formal employment.
What is the impact of digitalisation on sustainable economic growth?
Digitalization can boost economic growth by increasing efficiency, fostering innovation, and creating new industries. However, it requires careful management to ensure that the benefits are shared inclusively and do not exacerbate existing inequalities.
How can digitalisation contribute to sustainable supply chains?
Digital technologies such as blockchain and data analytics can enhance transparency and traceability in supply chains, promoting sustainable practices and responsible business conduct.
What challenges does digitalisation pose to decent work?
Automation and artificial intelligence may lead to job displacements. Unequal access to digital technologies and training can widen existing socio-economic disparities as those without access can be excluded from opportunities. The rise of gig work and platform-based employment can result in precarious working conditions without traditional employment benefits. Workers may face insecurity regarding income, job stability, and access to social protections. The “always-on” nature of digital work and the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life can contribute to stress and burnout.