Pengabdian: Jurnal Abdimas
Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026)

Bridging the Digital Divide: Community-Based Digital Innovation for Inclusive Socioeconomic Development

Napat Chai (Mahidol University)
Aom Thai (Srinakharinwirot University)
Pong Krit (Rangsit University)
Ma’rifani Fitri (Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
20 Feb 2026

Abstract

Digital transformation has accelerated economic growth and social connectivity, yet persistent digital inequalities continue to marginalize vulnerable communities from meaningful participation in the digital economy. Access to infrastructure alone has proven insufficient to ensure inclusive socioeconomic development, as disparities in digital literacy, institutional support, and local innovation capacity remain significant barriers. This study aims to examine how community-based digital innovation initiatives contribute to bridging the digital divide and promoting inclusive socioeconomic outcomes. A mixed-methods, multi-site comparative design was employed involving 180 participants across three underserved regions. Quantitative data were collected through digital literacy assessments and socioeconomic surveys, while qualitative insights were obtained through interviews, focus groups, and field observations. Inferential statistical analyses revealed significant improvements in digital literacy, income levels, employment stability, and entrepreneurial engagement (p < 0.001). Regression results indicated that digital literacy gains significantly predicted income growth, while qualitative findings highlighted the mediating role of participatory governance and social capital. The study concludes that community-based digital innovation serves as an effective structural mechanism for translating digital access into sustainable economic empowerment. Integrating grassroots capacity-building with digital infrastructure investment is essential for achieving equitable and resilient socioeconomic development in digitally evolving societies.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

abdimas

Publisher

Subject

Description

Pengabdian Jurnal Abdimas is one of the founding journals of Yayasan Pedidikan Islam Daarut Thufulah. Since 2023 the journal has provided a platform for high quality, Its a quarterly refereed journal concerned with the practice and processes of community engagement. It provides a forum for ...