Technological change, with its unyielding speed, appears as a revolutionary power that can recast all dimensions of our lives. The optimism behind the new digital horizons is driven by the vision of a future where advancement and wealth are within everyone’s reach. The question, however, needs to be posed: is innovation truly a force for equality and inclusion, or could it become an enhancer of current disparities?

Innovation gives us amazing tools to break down walls and open doors. Assistive technologies, for example, are a breakthrough for people with disabilities because they enable them to bypass physical and sensory barriers. Telemedicine, through the delivery of health services remotely, can possibly reach marginalised communities and bridge healthcare access gaps. Online learning, through its permeability and availability, democratises knowledge, making learning available to those who, due to economic or geographical conditions, would otherwise be left out. Furthermore, innovation can also facilitate social inclusion by creating platforms and tools that make civic interaction and communal creation possible. Social media and messenger apps, for example, facilitate communication and collaboration for people from different backgrounds, offering means of discussion and confrontation.

The dark sides of innovation: threats and pitfalls

However, innovation is not without risk. Then, there is another side to inclusion: the social side. The digital divide that separates the digitally connected from those who are not is a threat to equality. In an increasingly digitised world, disconnection from the net amounts to social and economic exclusion. Automation and artificial intelligence, if not managed responsibly, will devastate the world of work. The replacement of routine tasks by machines risks creating huge unemployment, especially among the most vulnerable people and lowest skilled workers. Algorithmic bias is another critical challenge.

Artificial intelligence algorithms, after being trained on partial or biased data, can reinforce and amplify current prejudices, leading to discriminatory outcomes in significant areas such as labour, credit and justice. It is crucial to render algorithms transparent, unbiased and accountable. Another critical challenge is algorithmic discrimination. Artificial intelligence algorithms, when trained on biased or partial data, can reinforce and amplify current biases and lead to discriminatory decisions in significant domains such as employment, credit and justice. It is necessary to make algorithms transparent, unbiased and accountable.

The bad example of big tech

We are witnessing a discomfiting shrinking, if not elimination, of programs and references to inclusion and diversity. It is an ominous sign, not just of the industry’s so-called priorities but of what may be lurking behind its flamboyant rhetoric about equity. The rationale for the shift is multi-faceted. First and foremost, the economic world crisis has pushed businesses to rethink expenses radically. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, while seen as essential in building a fair and efficient working environment, are seen as lavish expenditures in times of austerity.

Added on top of this is an even more polarised political and societal environment, under which DEI initiatives have come under special focus for criticism and challenge. In some situations, they have gone so far as to represent a form of ‘reverse discrimination’, fueling an argument that is likely to culminate in barren ideological extremes. Nor can the possibility of legal challenge be ruled out, especially in the United States, where discrimination law is complex and subject to disputed interpretation.

Companies, in their efforts to avoid future lawsuits, are more likely to adopt a risk-averse, if not outright pessimistic, approach to diversity. What are the consequences of this step back, then? For one, all the progress of the last few years in diversifying workplaces and making them representative of society hangs in the balance. The lack of diversity can limit the scope for innovation since similar groups will produce similar ideas and solutions. It also sends a negative message to employees and society, diminishing confidence in firms and their ability to behave responsibly. Let us not forget that technology companies, due to their central role in our lives, have a special responsibility to respect the values of inclusion and equity.

Strategies for inclusive innovation

To unlock the inclusive promise of innovation, a multi-pronged strategy between governments, businesses and civil society is required. Let us begin with public policies: invest in digital infrastructure and digital literacy programs to close the digital divide. Yet, it also encourages ongoing training and retraining to equip workers to meet the demands of the future. Enact regulations to guarantee ethical and accountable deployment of artificial intelligence. Corporate responsibility cannot be ignored. Create products and services that are usable by all, including vulnerable groups. Use inclusive hiring practices and promote diversity in the workforce.

Invest in R&D to create technologies with beneficial social impacts. Throughout all this, the role of civil society remains vital. Civil society can only raise awareness of the risks and benefits of innovation by supporting projects that promote digital inclusion and social innovation. Innovation can be a powerful force for good, but only when we direct it in a smart and responsible way. The challenge is to create a future where technological progress serves all individuals, none excluded.