'Clearer initiatives for further digitalization and digital inclusion'

#vitecherupp Digitization Welfare technology rapid response
The pandemic has hit the whole of society hard and the elderly are suffering greatly. To break social isolation, the tech industry solutions and initiatives have made the situation of older people easier and less vulnerable. MBut even more could have been done. This was stated by Åsa Zetterberg at the PTS thematic meeting, within the mission Break the isolation, where she called for a clearer initiative from the government for the continued digitalization where no one should be left behind.

During the year IT&Telecom companies have highlighted a number of examples under the call #Vitecherupp to show how IT and digital services and solutions can support and help individuals, society and business in the difficult situation we find ourselves in.

Among the solutions are several initiatives to equip retirement homes with tablets and relevant content adapted for seniors. This is an effort that Telenor and Dustin are behind in collaboration with other actors.

- "Rarely has society relied so much on digital communication as now, and for the elderly who are isolated, it is perhaps the single most important bridge to the outside world," says Ulrika Steg, Head of Corporate Business at Telenor.

More initiatives will be presented under #Vitecherupp. Among others Freelway which is a service aimed at regions and municipalities but also at other organizations with a need to ensure home deliveries of food and postal parcels to elderly and vulnerable groups. Freelway will help reduce the spread of infection among the elderly and vulnerable, as well as for healthcare professionals, while ensuring that elderly people receive an acceptable service despite being isolated at home.

There are many examples and Åsa Zetterberg, Director of IT&Telekomföretagen stated during the PTS theme meeting for the mission 'Break the isolation'that the tech industry played an important role in helping to reduce vulnerability in a very tough time.

She further explained that at this point we have taken care of what was already around us but pointed out that even more could have been done. She called on the government to take a clear initiative for the continued digitization where everyone should have the same conditions.

- The mission of the PTS is short-lived. Consolidate it and say that everyone should have a good connection, access to equipment and basic skills. Many people want to contribute, but it would be powerful if the government clearly took that initiative so that no one is left out.

See Åsa Zetterberg's participation in the PTS thematic meeting Decisions - from idea to action organized within the mission Break the isolation: https://www.pts.se/sv/bransch/internet/anvandbarhet-och-tillganglighet/om-pts-uppdrag-och-roll-inom-digital-delaktighet/regeringsuppdraget-bryt-isoleringen/

See more good examples from #Vitecherupp: https://techsverige.se/vitecherupp_coronakrisen/