How Cisco is bridging the global 'digital divide' to connect the world

Francine Katsoudas, EVP and chief people, policy and purpose officer at Cisco, enters the BBC's Executive Lounge to talk about how technology can foster equality, safety and innovation.

Every day at Cisco, Francine Katsoudas is laser focused on one mission: bridging the gap between people who can access and use digital technology effectively and those who can't. She calls it the "digital divide" – and says it's never been so important.

"Digitisation can change people's lives," Katsoudas, Cisco's EVP and chief people, policy and purpose officer, tells the BBC. "Our mission statement and end goal is to power an inclusive future for all."

In 2023, the California-based multinational digital-networking and cybersecurity company sured its goal of positively impacting one billion lives through its social grants and Networking Academy programmes. Yet Katsoudas feels there's more work to be done.

She's leading Cisco's Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) programme, which partners with business and government leaders to steer national digital agendas as well as local communities through tailored ethical, innovative technology solutions. This could mean establishing widespread internet access, or streamlining complex processes to expedite medical diagnoses and treatment.

Katsoudas sees potential for the programme to impact more countries and fields, especially as governments increasingly acknowledge the need to grow tech around education, critical infrastructure, sustainability and more. "These projects often start with countries recognising that digital capabilities will, in many cases, make life better for them and their citizens," she says.

She shares her evolving concept of digital inclusion with the BBC, outlines her roap for leaders and offers her perspective on the opportunities and challenges in 2024.

How do you define "digital inclusion"?

The definition of digital inclusion evolves as technology advances. But essentially, it's about ensuring everyone has the same ability to digitally access and use essential everyday amenities, such as education and healthcare services.

As technology moves forward, this definition will broaden but, in any service, the most important question to ask is, "does everyone have the same ability to participate">window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'alternating-thumbnails-a', container: 'taboola-below-article', placement: 'Below Article', target_type: 'mix' });