International Journal of Metaverse & Virtual Transformation

Identifying the Impacts of the Digital Divide on the Knowledge Economy

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Nazila Mehrabi

PhD candidate at Tarbiat Modares University

Abstract
The digital revolution and the expansion of communication technologies have steered the global economy toward a Knowledge Economy , one in which knowledge serves as the primary driver of growth, employment, and value creation. However, inequalities in access to and utilization of information and communication technologies have given rise to the phenomenon of the digital divide, which poses a significant barrier to sustainable development and social equity. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the digital divide on the knowledge economy. This study is applied in nature and falls within the category of descriptive–analytical research, adopting a qualitative approach within the interpretivist paradigm. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 knowledge management experts from universities and research centers, using purposive sampling. To ensure the validity and reliability of the research, strategies such as member checking, data source triangulation, thorough documentation of the coding process, test–retest procedures, and peer debriefing were employed. The findings revealed that the digital divide within the knowledge economy is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon, identified through 46 overarching themes and 259 final concepts. This divide extends beyond mere technological access and encompasses diverse dimensions such as skills, communication, infrastructure, social, economic, technological, cultural, managerial, educational, political, and institutional factors. Weaknesses across these dimensions directly hinder the creation, sharing, and utilization of knowledge. Ultimately, the digital divide emerges as a critical barrier to sustainable development and the effectiveness of the knowledge economy.

Keywords

Knowledge
Economy
Knowledge Economy
Digital Divide
Information and Communication Technology
Subjects
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International Journal of Metaverse & Virtual Transformation
Volume 1, Issue 2
Spring 2025
Pages 54-73

  • Receive Date 15 January 2025
  • Revise Date 19 March 2025
  • Accept Date 18 May 2025

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