ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on aspects and benefits of social inclusion that are highly driven by the usability and employment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-enabled services, rather than on the features of the technology itself or just the sociological aspects of the issue. It provides valuable insights on critical aspects of social inclusion that arise or could emerge as innovative ICT-enabled products and services proliferate. The book offers original insights into emerging issues and agendas concerning the role of usability of ICT-enabled services in social inclusion and maps out the implications for the emergence of new forms and attributes of social inclusion. It shows how an innovative e-commerce application improves farmer’s access to local markets and consumers’ access to fresh local produce, as well as optimizes the regional food distribution and improves the local community welfare.
