Public policies based on social networks for the introduction of technology at home: Demographic and socioeconomic profiles of households

The promotion of the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) among the population has been shown as an important matter of public policy to avoid the digital divide. In this paper differences in the impact of ICT in households are analyzed, and main demographic characteristics are considered. Based on the ICT Development Index (IDI), proposed by the United Nations, a regional index (RIDI) is developed to evaluate the comparative impact on different Spanish regions. Subsequently, the regions are grouped through cluster analysis, based on indices measuring their ICT development. Household characteristics were examined by calculating a discriminate regional Index (DIRIDI). It is composed of highly disaggregated indicators concerning socio-demographic characteristics of households and municipalities, and only those which have shown to be different between regions have been selected. The results indicate a strong polarization in the development of ICT, favorable to Mediterranean and Northeast areas, for both indices calculated. The differential profiles of households point to household size and municipality as well as the age of household members. It highlights the usefulness of designing general policies for particular types of homes, combined with different regional policies, taking into account the benefits of the social networks and collaborative learning.