The From Digital Skills to Tangible Outcomes collaboration project in Kuwait (DiSTO-Kuwait) consists of the translation, adaptation, validation and implementation of the global DiSTO methodology within a Kuwaiti context. The DiSTO methodology utilizes an inclusive approach to measure people’s digital media use and their outcomes across four domains: Economic, Cultural, Social and Personal. To date, such multidimensional information on Kuwait’s digital media environment remains sparse, limiting a deeper understanding as to which individuals and groups are deriving the most tangible benefits from its use, and why. Such information is valuable to governments, businesses, educators, and individuals, all of whom seek to better harness the many dividends that Information and Communication Technologies can provide and make sure that their countries are ready for a digital future.

The DiSTO-Kuwait project’s primary outcomes include a multi-stakeholder presentation and workshop in Kuwait, international conference presentations, research publications, and an initial baseline of comparative data about digital media-use in Kuwait. The project data and reports will be made publicly available in order to inform related academic and policy discussions at various levels across the four domains measured. Such information is applicable to understanding and improving the wellbeing of residents, as well as helping Kuwait to improve its digital capabilities and global competitiveness. The data will further aid Kuwait by including it for the first time in important large-scale projects that evaluate digital media growth and social change around the world.

More information on the DiSTO project can be found here

Outputs

Fahed Al-Sumait and Cristina Navarro, 'Kuwait’s Enduring Digital Divide: Socio-Demographic Characteristics Relative to ICT Access, Skills, and Outcomes', LSE Middle East Centre Kuwait Programme Paper Series 23 (December 2023).
Fahed Al-Sumait, GUST; Ellen Helsper, LSE; Cristina Navarro, GUST; Nouf Al-Saif, GUST; 'Transitioning from Tankers to Tablets? Assessing Inequalities in Kuwait's Digital Readiness'. Monday 4 April 2022
Fahed Al-Sumait, 'Inequalities: The Persistent Obstacle to Kuwait’s Digital Transformation', LSE Middle East Centre Blog, 29 June 2022

Principal Investigators

Professor Ellen Helsper

Ellen is Professor in Digital Inequalities at the Department of Media and Communications at LSE.

Dr Fahed Al-Sumait

Fahed is an Assistant Professor at the Gulf University for Science and Technology and an incoming faculty with the American University of Kuwait starting in Fall 2022.

Researchers

Cristina Navarro

Cristina is an Associate Professor of Communication and Department Chair at the Gulf University for Science and Technology in Kuwait.

Nouf Al-Saif

Nouf is the Research Associate for the DiSTO project in Kuwait, where she is also a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Mass Communication and Media at the Gulf University for Science and Technology.