Digital economy report Pacific edition 2022: towards value creation and inclusiveness

The report aims to strengthen the understanding of digital transformation in the Pacific. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to address the unique digital challenges faced by the Pacific region, the report provides an overview of the current context and explores how policymakers and local, regional and international organizations can leverage digital technologies for socioeconomic development. The ongoing adoption of digital technologies in the Pacific is driving complex outcomes that require policy planners and regulators to adopt flexible, adaptive and collaborative approaches. To tap into the tremendous potential of digital transformation in the region, new digital governance models will be needed, as well as the development of comprehensive strategies that build resilience, bridge digital divide and promote economic growth. Inclusion should be placed at the centre of the discussion; all people and sectors should benefit from the digital economy, including rural populations, women, youth and persons with disabilities. This edition provides a nuanced analysis of the complexities involved in bridging digital divides, as well as important considerations related to value creation and capture in the digital economy. It concludes with a call to move towards a more holistic, coordinated approach to building inclusive digital economies in the region. It identifies future pathways and recommendations to build on, in alignment with national and regional mechanisms and strategies.