Data Capital and Economic Inclusion

The book Data Capital and Economic Inclusion examines the transformative shift from traditional industrial production to a platform-based digital economy where data has emerged as a strategic form of capital. It explores the dual nature of this revolution, analyzing how the accumulation of data fuels innovation and operational efficiency while simultaneously creating significant risks of market concentration and economic concentration. Through various research lenses, the text investigates the "digital divide" and its impact on social inclusion, specifically focusing on how digital infrastructure, skill development, and fintech platforms can either bridge or deepen existing structural inequalities in sectors like agriculture, education, and small business. By integrating economic theory with sustainable development principles, the book highlights the urgent need for ethical data governance and adaptive regulatory frameworks to ensure that the benefits of digital transformation are shared equitably across all segments of society.