Investigating the Digital Divide Problem in Iran Based on the New Approach of "Problem-oriented Innovation System(PIS)"

One of the problems that countries have faced in recent decades with the advent of information and communication technology (ICT) is the “digital divide problem”, which refers to the unequal distribution of technology resources and equipment in the ICT field. Therefore, the digital divide is one of the problems that should be considered by policymakers in each country to achieve economic and social development through its effective management. Studies conducted to analyze the digital divide problem have so far been largely non-systematic and without regard to a systematic analysis of the process of technological development and innovation in technical and social aspects. Therefore, in this article, while evaluating the situation of the digital divide in Iran based on the Network Readiness Index (NRI) model, for the first time the new approach of "Problem-oriented Innovation System (PIS)" as a systematic framework for analyzing the problem of the digital divide and providing policy recommendations to reduce it, is introduced and implemented. The research methodology is mixed-method with a descriptive and analytical approach based on documentary-method and survey. Data collection tools are questionnaires, interviews and library studies. The results show that Iran has a significant digital divide with the selected countries under study in this article, and the weakness in the development of digital infrastructure, inconsistencies and multiple parallel works in the policymaking layer and lack of public awareness and necessary skills in the use of ICT, especially in deprived areas, have been among the factors affecting the intensification of Iran's digital divide.