Equitable Access to the New Digital World

ERIC JONES
VP OF CORPORATE MARKETING, WP ENGINE

While 2020 is memorable for a host of reasons, perhaps the most significant is that it’s the year our world transformed to digital-first experiences. Our work lives, our social lives, and even our family lives were driven online, when just months before, it would have been unthinkable to see entire offices, schools, and even gyms go completely virtual. 

Luckily, it turns out that we’re more resilient than we imagined. 

As we enter 2021, we’ve now seen the start of what’s possible when we use the web to power experiences that transcend the digital space. We’ve seen how we’re able to collectively adapt, innovate, and create together, in order to preserve what’s important to us. 

But there’s more to be done. Not everyone or every company has been able to enjoy the benefits of the new digital world. It’s our collective responsibility to continue to make it easier to bring ideas to life and to democratize the responsible publication of online content in a way that’s inclusive both socially and financially. 

Open source technologies like WordPress – built on the values of collaboration, freedom, transparency, and universal access – will play a central role in breaking down barriers and increasing equitable access to the new digital world. 

We can’t be sure what 2021 holds for us, but if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s the importance of inclusion, the importance of adaptability, and the importance of connection. An open web, built with open technologies, can help pave the way to a more open future online.

Eric Jones is the VP of Corporate Marketing for WP Engine, the leading WordPress digital experience platform, and partner of The Webby Awards.

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