For Project Compass – Powered by Merit Network
By Jason Kronemeyer

We don’t have the capacity…yet. In the journey towards digital transformation, communities often face significant capacity barriers. These barriers can include limited digital infrastructure, lack of digital literacy, and insufficient resources. However, embracing the concept of the “Power of Yet,” as introduced by Carol Dweck, can empower communities to overcome these challenges and foster a growth mindset. To move from mindset to measurable progress, communities need a common map. The Digital Opportunities Compass: Metrics to Monitor, Evaluate, and Guide Broadband and Digital Equity Policy by Colin Rhinesmith, Pierrette Renée Dagg, Johannes M. Bauer, Greta Byrum, and Aaron Schill, provides that map.

Built on decades of digital-equity research and field experience, the Digital Opportunities Compass guides local leaders in assessing their current status, clarifying their goals, and uniting partners around a shared vision. At its core, the Compass is organized across six domains, each vital for successful digital transformation:

Contexts: Focuses on the unique social, economic, and cultural factors that shape a community’s digital needs and opportunities.

Governance: Involves the policies, leadership, and decision-making structures that direct digital equity initiatives.

Connectivity: Refers to access to reliable internet services and digital devices, which are essential for participation in the digital world.

Skills: Encompasses digital literacy and the ability to use technology effectively, supporting members of the community in adapting to digital change.

Applications: Represents the practical uses of digital technology, such as online services, tools, and platforms that meet everyday needs.

Outcomes: Measures the real-world impact of digital initiatives, including improved access, equity, and community well-being.

By organizing work across these six domains, the Compass ensures that investments in infrastructure and skills development are paired with the human and institutional capacity required for lasting, meaningful results. This integrated approach helps local leaders overcome barriers and fosters sustainable digital transformation.

Communities grow when they nurture human capacity, build supportive systems, and invest in aspirations. Digital transformation succeeds not because of the technology itself, but because people and institutions are ready to amplify its benefits, a principle articulated by researcher Kentaro Toyama in his work on technology’s role in social change. The Compass operationalizes that principle by aligning people, institutions, and technology so communities can amplify their own strengths over time.

The “Power of Yet” philosophy emphasizes ongoing learning and improvement, encouraging communities to view digital transformation as a continuous journey rather than a destination. The Digital Opportunities Compass supports this philosophy by providing a structured framework and practical tools that help communities navigate capacity barriers, drive growth, and embrace the mindset that progress is always possible with persistence and collaboration.

Understanding the Power of Yet

Carol Dweck’s concept of the “Power of Yet” is a transformative idea that promotes viewing challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Rather than perceiving obstacles as insurmountable, this principle encourages the belief that with effort, perseverance, and appropriate strategies, progress is attainable. This shift in mindset is essential for communities seeking digital transformation and participation in the digital economy. Community engagement enables residents to express their needs and aspirations, ensuring that digital equity initiatives align with the unique context and goals of the community. Current capacity limitations are acknowledged but can be overcome in time.

Applying the Power of Yet to Digital Transformation

Embracing a Growth Mindset:
Communities might adopt a growth mindset, recognizing that digital transformation is a journey that requires continuous learning and adaptation. By viewing capacity barriers as temporary challenges rather than permanent limitations, communities can stay motivated and resilient.

Fostering Collaboration and Partnerships:
Collaboration is key to overcoming capacity barriers. Communities can leverage partnerships with local nonprofits, educational institutions, and private sector organizations to pool resources, share expertise, and build digital participation. The “Power of Yet” encourages communities to seek out these partnerships and believe in their potential to drive change.

Investing in Digital Literacy and Skills Development:
Digital literacy is foundational to digital transformation. Communities might invest in training programs that enhance digital skills for all members, including marginalized and underserved groups. By believing in the potential for growth, communities can create inclusive learning environments that empower individuals to navigate the digital world confidently.

Creating a Supportive Environment:
A supportive environment that celebrates progress and encourages perseverance is essential. Communities can establish mentorship programs, peer support networks, and recognition initiatives to motivate individuals and reinforce the belief that success is achievable with effort and time.

Setting Incremental Goals:
Setting realistic and incremental goals helps communities track progress and celebrate small victories. The “Power of Yet” emphasizes the importance of acknowledging each step forward, no matter how small, as part of the larger journey towards digital equity.

Practical Steps for Communities

Engage the Community:
Involve community leaders, residents, and organizations in the assessment process to gather insights and experiences necessary for understanding local needs and priorities. Collaborative engagement helps ensure that digital equity strategies are appropriate for the community’s context. Community engagement allows residents to communicate their needs and aspirations, ensuring that digital equity initiatives align with the specific circumstances and ambitions of the community.

Assess Local Aspirations and Resources:
Begin by conducting a thorough assessment of the current state of digital infrastructure, access and aspirations within the community. Identify key challenges, gaps, and potential opportunities. This assessment serves as the foundation for planning digital equity initiatives.

Develop Basic Infrastructure:
Even with limited resources, communities can start by establishing basic digital infrastructure, such as public wireless access points in indoor and outdoor community spaces, libraries, and schools. Partnering with local businesses, service providers and non-profit organizations can help expand access.

Build Digital Literacy:
Initiate simple yet effective digital literacy programs to equip individuals with fundamental skills for navigating the digital world. Online tutorials, workshops, and mentorship programs can be valuable tools for building digital competency.

Leverage the Digital Opportunities Compass Framework:
The Digital Opportunities Compass framework provides a comprehensive set of metrics to monitor, evaluate, and guide digital transformation efforts. By leveraging this framework, communities can develop logic models for program evaluation and adopt a holistic approach to achieving digital equity.

We don’t have the Capacity…Yet

When a community finds itself lacking the capacity to undertake digital transformation independently, collaboration and partnerships become crucial. Engaging with local nonprofits, community organizations, and forming regional coalitions can provide the necessary support and resources. Community engagement allows residents to voice their needs and aspirations, ensuring that digital equity initiatives reflect the unique context and ambitions of the community. Nonprofit organizations often possess expertise in digital literacy and infrastructure, and partnering with them can leverage their strengths to fill gaps in human and digital resources. Additionally, participation in regional coalitions fosters collaboration with neighboring communities and local governments, pooling resources and knowledge for broader impact. This cooperative approach not only addresses immediate digital equity gaps but also builds a sustainable foundation for ongoing community development and resilience.

The “Power of Yet” by Carol Dweck offers a powerful perspective for communities facing capacity barriers in their digital transformation journey. By embracing a growth mindset and leveraging the Digital Opportunities Compass, communities can systematically monitor, evaluate, and guide their digital equity efforts. This framework, combined with fostering collaboration through community engagement, investing in digital literacy, creating supportive environments, and setting incremental goals, enables communities to overcome challenges and work towards achieving their aspirations for digital equity. With dedication and perseverance, every community can harness the “Power of Yet” to thrive in the digital age.

Dweck, C. S. (2016). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Ballantine Books.

Rhinesmith, C., Dagg, P. R., Bauer, J. M., Byrum, G., & Schill, A. (2023). Digital opportunities compass: Metrics to monitor, evaluate, and guide broadband and digital equity policy. Working paper, Ann Arbor, MI: Merit Network, Inc. and East Lansing, MI: Quello Center

TEDx Talks. (2014, September 12). The power of yet
Carol S Dweck
TEDxNorrköping [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-swZaKN2Ic

Toyama, K. (2015). Geek Heresy: Rescuing Social Change from the Cult of Technology. PublicAffairs.

Toyama, K. (2017). Design, Needs, and Aspirations in International Development. In: Choudrie, J., Islam, M., Wahid, F., Bass, J., Priyatma, J. (eds) Information and Communication Technologies for Development. ICT4D 2017. IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology, vol 504. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-59111-7_3