In developing the Measure 3.2 Developing Human Resource and Training Strategies of its Peace II Action Plan, the LSP recognised the need to increase the participation of socially disadvantaged groups in training, employment and social development activities. One of the key areas, which it believes could be developed to meet this need, is through Information Communications Technology.   The Partnership recruited the services of a consultant to complete an extensive mapping exercise of the ICT infrastructure, ICT training provision and ICT training needs across the Derry City Council Area.  The mapping exercise was completed across the community and voluntary sector, the private sector and with the general public in the Council Area.  The following findings were uncovered for each of these sectors:

Community and Voluntary Sector

28% of community and voluntary organisations responding to the research completed by Inter-ed in February 2003 indicated they did not have a computer of any type within their organisations.  There are over 300 community and voluntary groups throughout the City and District.  Clearly ICT and the Internet is fast becoming a major source of support for organisational activity in the community and voluntary sector.  The research showed that of all sectors in the Derry City Council Area, the Community and Voluntary Sector could most clearly see the potential for organisational development represented by investment in ICT and ICT training.  The research also showed that most organisations within the sector could not clearly identify future ICT investment, as this would clearly depend on their ability to attract grant-aid.

Private sector:

The initial research by Inter-ed found that as of February 2003, over 30% of firms in the Derry City Council Area had no computers of any type within their businesses.  This is higher than the average percentage for Northern Ireland of 15% as estimated by ‘Lifting the Barriers’ (Federation of Small Businesses, 2001) .  The research pointed to the fact that the local economy in Derry City Council Area is dominated by small businesses.  The research also found that the smaller the business, the less likely it was to use ICT.  Given the increasing use of ICT for commercial transactions, we consider this to be a competitive disadvantage particularly for the small business sector in Derry City Council Area.  The provision of grant aid has provided an incentive for small businesses to invest in their ICT infrastructure.

General Public:

The Inter-ed research uncovered the fact that almost 40% of people interviewed by the home survey did not have a computer in their own home.  The research also shows that those households who do have access to a computer are using their equipment in ways which are forging new patterns of engagement with society and with the economy.  This leads us to conclude that a new form of social and digital exclusion may be emerging in Derry City Council Area.