DIGITAL WELFARE PLATFORMS AND COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

In the digital era, information technology has become an integral part of everyday life and a key driver of social and economic transformation. Access to social welfare and community economic development has been reshaped by digital platforms that now function not only as communication tools but also as critical infrastructures for delivering public services. Digital welfare systems — such as state welfare cards, government applications, and direct cash transfer schemes — can help reduce inequality, improve targeting, and enhance the efficiency and transparency of state management (Suwara Nakayos, 2022). At the same time, community economies, which form the foundation of national development, increasingly benefit from online commerce, digital marketing, and local business networking supported by digital platforms (Tech For Good Institute, 2022). These developments empower communities to be more self-reliant, resilient, and competitive in broader markets. This article uses a literature-based analytical approach to examine how digital welfare platforms function as “intermediaries of trust” that connect citizens to rights, services, and economic opportunities. It also analyzes the implications for inclusive and sustainable community economic development, drawing on empirical evidence from Thailand, Estonia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Japan, and the United States.