Digital Inclusion in the Upper Midwest: Implications for Regional Development

Despite these limitations, the digital inclusion indicators and metrics that we have analyzed do offer some insights on the steps that leaders and practitioners should consider in their community, economic, and workforce development efforts. They include:

1. Make digital inclusion a priority. While communities face multiple issues, digital inclusion should be a priority. 
2. Validate broadband footprint and quality of service (QoS). Efforts must be made at the local level to validate both access to adequate broadband and the quality of that service. 
3. Deploy and upgrade quality broadband infrastructure. Although the 25/3 footprint has expanded throughout the Midwest region, efforts should be made to ensure that symmetrical speeds are available and affordable, specifically in areas identified as digitally distressed or experiencing a high digital divide. 
4. Improve broadband adoption. Form a coalition of broadband providers, local governments, nonprofits, and other community anchor institutions to educate residents and businesses about why this technology is important, as well as programs and subsidies that are available to those subscribing to the internet.
5. Improve access to quality and reliable devices. Research points to the fact that even when broadband is available and affordable, homes and individuals are unlikely to adopt if their devices are inadequate and/or unreliable. 
6. Improve digital skills and literacy. Having access to internet and reliable devices does not guarantee that the technology will be used in meaningful ways to improve the quality of life. This can be addressed by improving digital skills and literacy of both residents and organizations.
7. Realign economic and workforce development strategies. Traditional economic development strategies are becoming less and less effective in this increasingly changing digital landscape. Innovative economic development strategies need to be deployed alongside traditional ones including but not limited to placemaking, economic gardening, co-working spaces, digital ecosystems, and telework among others. Likewise, workforce development needs to change to ensure workers can learn digital and soft skills (creative thinking, leadership, communicating effectively, organizational, teamwork, and self-management).