About the data
The WBA Digital Inclusion Benchmark measures and ranks the world's most influential companies on their efforts to advance digital inclusion, tracking how companies are expanding access to digital technologies, improving digital skills and literacy, and ensuring safe and inclusive digital environments for all. The 2026 edition assessed 200 companies across key sectors of the digital economy including telecommunications, software, hardware, and digital platforms. The benchmark is developed in close collaboration with an Expert Review Committee and partners including GRI, ITU, and the Alliance for Affordable Internet, with a methodology designed to incentivise companies to understand where digital exclusion risks are highest and act to bridge the digital divide, while keeping human rights and social impacts at its core.
More information can be found here.
More information can be found here.
Methodology
The digital skills gap among workers is a growing concern. Technological change, digitalisation and automation are creating changes in jobs, requiring workers to adapt continuously to use evolving digital tools. Digital literacy and upskilling are critical, as articulated in global frameworks like the Global Digital Compactxvii and UN definition of digital inclusionxviii, to ensure workers can effectively adapt to and benefit from digital advancements. The World Economic Forum and McKinsey highlight the transformative impact of technological disruption on jobs, stressing the urgency for corporate-driven upskilling and reskilling initiatives. By integrating workforce development into their strategies, digital technology companies address economic disparity, safeguard employee futures, and align workforce capabilities with evolving business needs. This approach is also an opportunity for inclusive growth and innovation.
Research Guidance:
The companyreportsquantitatively on the coverage or completion of its upskilling or reskilling programme(s)To meet thiselement,the company mustdiscloseat least one type of the following:
1\. Average hours of training per employee per year (e.g., per GRI 404-1)
2\. Number or proportion of employees that have completed upskilling programs
3\. Total budget spent on trainingas a proportion of overall budget
4\. Per capita training budget
5\. Other
Research Guidance:
The companyreportsquantitatively on the coverage or completion of its upskilling or reskilling programme(s)To meet thiselement,the company mustdiscloseat least one type of the following:
1\. Average hours of training per employee per year (e.g., per GRI 404-1)
2\. Number or proportion of employees that have completed upskilling programs
3\. Total budget spent on trainingas a proportion of overall budget
4\. Per capita training budget
5\. Other
License
Topics
Framework Mappings
Value Type
Category
Options
Yes
No
Not Applicable
Assessment
Steward Assessed
Report Type
Aggregate Data Report