Development Co-operation Report 2021
Shaping a Just Digital Transformation
Digital transformation is revolutionising economies and societies with rapid technological advances in AI, robotics and the Internet of Things. Low- and middle-income countries are struggling to gain a foothold in the global digital economy in the face of limited digital capacity, skills, and fragmented global and regional rules. Political stability, democracy, human rights and equality also risk being undermined by weak governance and the abuse of digital technology.
The 2021 edition of the Development Co-operation Report makes the case for choosing to hardwire inclusion into digital technology processes, and emerging norms and standards. Providing the latest evidence and policy analysis from experts in national governments, international organisations, academia, business and civil society, the report equips international development organisations with the latest guidance and good practices that put people and the sustainable development goals at the centre of digital transformation.
Also available in: French
Digital drivers of inclusive growth in Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean
This chapteroutlines the potential of digital transformation to remedy long-standing productivity gaps, structural development traps, and deliver inclusive growth. It highlights that new investments promise to expand connectivity in Africa, while digitalisation can help firms in Latin America and the Caribbean access new markets, create new goods and services, and produce more efficiently. The chapter points to the need to address the disparities in digital skills, Internet access and adoption of digital technologies that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed in both regions. It also details the economic benefits that could be realised from greater regional co-ordination of data regulatory frameworks and policies.
Also available in: French