An Exploratory Study of Digital Literacy and Proficiency Challenges in Citizen-Based Initiatives

As citizen-based initiatives increasingly rely on data analytics systems to process crowdsourced data and generate actionable insights, digital proficiency and digital literacy are becoming critical factors in ensuring their success and impact. However, varying levels of digital proficiency, but also digital literacy, among non-expert participants present significant challenges in data processing, interpretation, and collaborative insight generation. This paper explores the key challenges related to digital literacy and proficiency in citizen-based initiatives, focusing on participants’ technological readiness, degree of data literacy, and the general usability of analytical tools in contexts where digital skills are limited. It also explores strategies to address these challenges, including targeted training programs and participatory approach for user-centered technology design. By addressing these challenges, the democratization of citizen-based initiatives can be improved, streamlining data-driven decision-making and maximizing their collective impact.