The role of EdTechs in the commodification of knowledge

Conference paper

Hara, S. 2025. The role of EdTechs in the commodification of knowledge. Jahankhani, H. and Issac, B. (ed.) 16th International Conference on Global Security, Safety and Sustainability. London, UK 25 - 27 Nov 2024 Springer. pp. 497-519 https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-82031-1_25
TypeConference paper
TitleThe role of EdTechs in the commodification of knowledge
AuthorsHara, S.
Abstract

The role of Education Technology Startups (EdTechs) and neoliberalism in commodifying knowledge within higher education is examined, with a focus on the UK and India during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study explores how the pandemic accelerated EdTech adoption, transforming academic content into marketable commodities aligned with neoliberal ideals of privatisation and competition. While commodification is presented as a pathway to financial viability and enhanced accessibility, infrastructural and socioeconomic inequalities remain significant barriers. EdTechs’ innovative business models have reshaped educational access, equity, and content quality, often exacerbating pre-existing disparities. Ethical concerns, including data privacy and the erosion of academic autonomy, are also discussed. Through a comparative analysis of the UK and India, the paper highlights initiatives addressing the digital divide and challenges related to digital poverty. While EdTechs offer potential benefits in broadening educational access, the study stresses the importance of balancing technological innovation with core educational values of equity and quality, ensuring that education remains a public good.

Sustainable Development Goals4 Quality education
Middlesex University ThemeSustainability
Research GroupCentre for Education Research and Scholarship (CERS)
Conference16th International Conference on Global Security, Safety and Sustainability
Page range497-519
Proceedings TitleCybersecurity and Human Capabilities Through Symbiotic Artificial Intelligence: Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Global Security, Safety and Sustainability, London, November 2024
SeriesAdvanced Sciences and Technologies for Security Applications
EditorsJahankhani, H. and Issac, B.
ISSN1613-5113
Electronic2363-9466
ISBN
Hardcover9783031820304
Paperback9783031820335
Electronic9783031820311
PublisherSpringer
Copyright Year2025
Publication dates
Online14 May 2025
Publication process dates
Accepted14 Feb 2025
Deposited04 Jun 2025
Output statusPublished
Draft pre-submission version
File Access Level
Restricted
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-82031-1_25
Web address (URL) of conference proceedingshttps://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-82031-1
LanguageEnglish
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