A recent study by technology company HP reveals that a significant majority of business and government leaders across 10 countries see technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), as a crucial driver for economic expansion and achieving sustainability goals.
The HP survey, conducted by Oxford Economics, highlights that 76% of leaders believe technology is important for broadening economic opportunities and advancing sustainability and social impact.
AI’s potential is highlighted by the data showing that nearly 90% of business leaders are already integrating or planning to integrate AI within the next two years. Their goals include enhancing digital education access (90%), workforce development (89%), and workforce diversity (86%).
“AI’s reach holds great promise to help HP accelerate our sustainable and social impact goals,” said Ida Evina Ong-Co, managing director of HP Philippines.
According to HP, about a third of the global population remains offline despite technological advances, leading to significant economic losses.
“To truly narrow the digital divide in our rapidly evolving world, we must also equip individuals with the skills to use technology,” said Michele Malejki, global head of Social Impact, HP.
Digital equity
HP’s Sustainable Impact report highlights progress toward its goal of accelerating digital equity for 150 million people by 2030, with 45 million individuals already reached since 2021. This progress is attributed to HP’s partnerships and initiatives aimed at providing tailored solutions for communities.
In 2023, HP supported digital equity through its Digital Equity Accelerator, benefiting 6.4 million people in Malaysia, South Africa, and Mexico. The program focused on digital literacy, access to educational technology, and digital health platforms. HP and World YMCA launched over 100 Digital Hubs, including the West Orem Digital Hub in Texas, reaching over 500,000 people globally with digital literacy and community support programs.
HP also opened NABU HP Creative Labs in the United States and the Philippines, fostering creative and digital literacy skills among children. These initiatives provided free books in local languages, enhancing literacy for 1.9 million children in 2023.
Recognizing the importance of skills in the face of economic and technological challenges, HP is expanding its free skills-building program, HP LIFE, aiming to enroll 2.75 million users. The company plans to launch new AI skills courses and an AI in Social Impact Award, promoting responsible AI use in education, healthcare, and economic development.