Introduction

Countries have adopted policies targeting improving disparities in network access as an approach to facilitate online commerce targeting segment market within global populations. Digital literacy encompasses a wide range of modern technology that allows access of information; it’s the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, generate and to share information that requires both technical and cognitive skills. Digital literacy is crucial for a generation living in a tech-dependent world.[1] Currently, people can read news on a mobile, use a smartphone to book a ticket and confirm doctor appointment via a mobile phone App. Digital literacy is not only vital for society but creates a thriving economy as well. As the print media phase out, communication technology makes online content more and more essential. Additionally, examples of digital literacy include; understanding how to use a web browser, text, search engines and use the mobile app[2].  Regarding digital literacy, there is a substantial variation of literacy across countries, with the United States showing the most substantial literacy gap. Further, inequality in accessing advanced communication technology creates literacy between more educated and less-education groups within a population; thus affecting global trade that relies on internet connection. More so, the absence of policies essential for the implementation of technological knowledge to supplement information technology has larger disparities in digital literacy skills. Government policy measures in China, U.S, and Singapore focuses on closing the digital literacy gap to improve social impact and global economics.

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Policy Measures In US, China Or Singapore To Close The Digital Gap

The digital gap among the population groups has been identified as a conundrum attracted global attention since the 1990s during the start of the 21^st century.[3] The policy measures in the United States, China, and Singapore, need to bridge the digital gap to enable all people to acquire knowledge, search and marker their talent through digital platforms regardless of geographical location. Regarding the need for policy measures to address the digital, the Chinese business community revealed a desire to introduce a cashless system that demands the target population to be digital literate. The tech-based mobile payments will need extensive network coverage to allow customers to access network and buy good and service provided by tech companies.[4] Despite the adoption of digital technology in the United States, inequality in accessing digital content remains high, especially rural adults. Tech-policy in the United States led to the formation of a task force team to identify unconnected areas and plan for mobile expansion coverage to rural communities residing in the USA. The US Government is considering the provision of subsidies to low-income groups purchase high- speed internet services to enable them to use digital tools.[5] Like the U.S and China, for a long time, the Singapore government has been providing digital services to all citizens. Currently, business and citizens can access online services using mobile apps. The digitization programs in Singapore have closed gaps creating educated and informed populace.

The Singapore government implemented ICT policy to transform the digital literacy of the young population. Additionally, policy equipped students with computer knowledge through the introduction of new subjects and new curriculum. Further, there are innovations and incorporation of technology in learning institutions to improve the quality of education in both the U.S and China. In the United States, the policy allows the schools to procure hi-tech computer equipment meant for introducing students to technologies. Additionally, U.S formulated a policy that is responsive to allow students to use technology in the classroom.[6]  The Chinese government designed a policy that legitimate to promote and protect users of the digital economy from enhancing confidence and encouraging use by all population groups. Additionally, policy addressed the digital gap by responding to retraining and reviewing the curriculum to focus on skills required in the digital economy.[7]

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Illustration of Policy Measures in Data Application/Analysis, Training/Retraining Digital Skills.

Regarding new technological epoch, China, U.S, and Singapore have adopted digital policies that focus on the promotion of digital transformation emphasize skill development. Additionally, tech-giants or leading business in the world partners with government to ensure the majority of the residents’ access to the internet.  The American First policy formulated under Trump Administration support incentives given marginalized population to address disparities through investing in high-quality education. Furthermore, implantation of digital policy allowed tech giants to create significant social impacts through their network software that empowers people through gain knowledge, acquire new skills, display their talent and establish connections with other people.[8] Additionally, government policy in the U.S enables Tech Giants to offer opportunities and effective solution to SMEs. More so technology facilitates SMEs to link with eBay then partner with global shipping companies and utilize PayPal transactions.[9] Besides, the technologies have created benefits and problems to the labor force and consumer. New policies have been developed to balance the implication of technologies through retraining to reskill workforce replaced by technologies.

Effectiveness of Policy Measures in Tapping Economic Opportunities Offered By Digital Companies

Advance technologies linking global populations enable tech-companies to expanded market share through the integration of physical operations with virtual digital platforms that allows connection with customers worldwide. Dominance by tech giants relies on extensive resource survey entire world and detect what people are searching and consuming.[10] Additionally, online payment like PayPal has allowed SMEs to manage and control business operations from a centralized location. The tech companies have disrupted traditional economies by displacing worker from the old job while creating new opportunities. The consumers benefit by getting new information when searching from Google and make an online purchase through Amazon.[11]
Governments’ Policy Measures That Complement The Rise Of These US/Chinese Tech Giants

The government initiatives to invest in communication technologies and wide network coverage allow tech giant companies based in China and the U.S to explore overseas markets. The tech giants benefit from secure network infrastructure connecting with clients from other regions of the world. Additionally, both China and the United States promoted the exponential growth of firms through the establishment of e-commerce.  For instance, innovations in China such cashless payment allows customers to purchase of a good without holding paper cash.  Since the political system in China differs with the socio-political climate. The China-based firm can rely on data analytics form various sources to predict customer behavior analysis. However, in the United States, the federal government allows the monopoly of large tech companies because of their effectiveness in whatever they do.

Conclusion

The policy measures in China, U.S, and Singapore focus on close on digital literacy to improve social impact and global economics.  More so, states have adopted policies address disparity in accessing network as an approach to facilitate online commerce targeting global populations. The digital gap among the population groups has been identified as a critical aspect that attracted has attracted worldwide attention since the 1990s during the start of the 21^st century. Regarding new technological epoch, digital policies focusing on the promotion of digital transformation emphasize skill development. The tech companies have expanded market share through the integration of physical operations with virtual digital platforms that enables to connect with customers worldwide. The government initiatives to invest in communication technologies and extensive network coverage allow tech giant companies based in China and the U.S to explore overseas markets[12].

References

Chetty, K., Qigui, L., Gcora, N., Josie, J., Wenwei, L., & Fang, C. (2017). Bridging the Digital Divide: Measuring Digital Literacy. Economics Discussion Papers, No 2017—69. Kiel Institute for the World Economy. Available at: http://www. Economics-journal. Org/economics/discussion papers/2017-69 (accessed 18 April 2018).

Lim, C. P., Zhao, Y., Tondeur, J., Chai, C. S., & Tsai, C. C. (2015). Bridging the gap: Technology trends and use of technology in schools. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 16(2), 59-68.

Padilla, G. O., Wirjo, A., & Chiang, T. (2017). Facilitating Digital Trade for Inclusive Growth Key Issues in Promoting Digital Trade in APEC

Spante, M., Hashemi, S. S., Lundin, M., & Algers, A. (2018). Digital competence and digital literacy in higher education research: Systematic review of concept use. Cogent Education, 5(1), 1-21.

Wei, L. (2019). New Empire: The Reach and frontiers of the Tech sector.

Woetzel, J., Seong, J., Manyika, J., Chui, M., & Wong, W. (2017). CHINA’S DIGITAL ECONOMY A LEADING GLOBAL FORCE

[1] Spante, M., Hashemi, S. S., Lundin, M., & Algers, A. (2018). Digital competence and digital literacy in higher education research: Systematic review of concept use. Cogent Education, 5(1), 1-21

[2] Ibid

[3] Wei, L. (2019). New Empire: The Reach and frontiers of the Tech sector

[4] woezel Woetzel, J., Seong, J., Manyika, J., Chui, M., & Wong, W. (2017). CHINA’S DIGITAL ECONOMY A LEADING GLOBAL FORCE

[5] Yu, R. P., Ellison, N. B., McCammon, R. J., & Langa, K. M. (2016). Mapping the two levels of the digital divide: Internet access and social network site adoption among older adults in the USA. Information, Communication & Society, 19(10), 1445-1464

[6] Lim, C. P., Zhao, Y., Tondeur, J., Chai, C. S., & Tsai, C. C. (2015). Bridging the gap: Technology trends and use of technology in schools. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 16(2), 59-68.

[7] Padilla, G. O., Wirjo, A., & Chiang, T. (2017). Facilitating Digital Trade for Inclusive Growth Key Issues in Promoting Digital Trade in APEC.

[8] Wei, L. (2019). New Empire: The Reach and frontiers of the Tech sector.

[9] Ibid

[10] Wei, L. (2019). New Empire: The Reach and frontiers of the Tech sector.

[11] Ibid

[12] Chetty, K., Qigui, L., Gcora, N., Josie, J., Wenwei, L., & Fang, C. (2017). Bridging the Digital Divide: Measuring Digital Literacy. Economics Discussion Papers, No 2017—69. Kiel Institute for the World Economy. Available at: http://www. Economics-journal. Org/economics/discussion papers/2017-69 (accessed 18 April 2018).