Digital Dividends World Bank Development Report

Digital technologies have spread rapidly in much of the world. Digital dividends—that is, the broader development benefits from using these technologies—have lagged behind. In many instances, digital technologies have boosted growth, expanded opportunities, and improved service delivery. Yet their aggregate impact has fallen short and is unevenly distributed. For digital technologies to benefit everyone everywhere requires closing the remaining digital divide, especially in internet access. But greater digital adoption will not be enough. To get the most out of the digital revolution, countries also need to work on the “analog complements”—by strengthening regulations that ensure competition among businesses, by adapting workers’ skills to the demands of the new economy, and by ensuring that institutions are accountable. Download (pdf): Full Report Overview: English | Español | Français | عربي | Русский | português | 中文 Main Messages: English | Español | Français | Deutsch | عربي | Русский | português | 中文 Part 1: Facts and analysis Spotlight 1: How the internet promotes development Chapter 1: Accelerating growth Sector focus 1: Agriculture Spotlight 2: Digital finance Chapter 2: Expanding opportunities Sector focus 2: Education Spotlight 3: Social media Chapter 3: Delivering services Sector focus 3: e-health Spotlight 4: Digital identity Part 2: Policies Chapter 4: Sectoral policies Sector focus 4: Smart cities Spotlight 5: The data revolution Chapter 5: National priorities Sector focus 5: Energy Chapter 6: Global cooperation Sector focus 6: Environmental management Spotlight 6: Six digital technologies to watch BLOGS Education provides the analogue foundation for our digital lives Michael Trucano Jun 14, 2016 Labor market polarization in developing countries: challenges ahead Indhira Santos Jun 10, 2016 Where World Bank-funded digital technology projects are more successful Ravi Kumar Feb 23, 2016 (7) Comments