Assessing the digital economy: aims, frameworks, pilots, results, and lessons

Abstract

The article discusses the motivations for a holistic assessment of the digital economy. It outlines the pilot assessment program initiated by the World Bank Group and describes the assessment frameworks, tools, and processes deployed in selected pilot countries. It identifies the common challenges faced and lessons learned from applying these assessments in different contexts. These challenges include prioritizing digital diagnosis objectives, addressing inequality and poverty issues, securing participation and partnership of stakeholders, addressing implementation challenges, and integrating digital transformation strategy into a country development strategy. Other challenges include harnessing digital innovation and entrepreneurship, mobilizing local demand for the new technologies, engaging business in digital diagnosis, and adopting multi-disciplinary and whole-of-society approaches. The article addresses the implications of these challenges and draws broad lessons and practical recommendations for developing countries and aid agencies.