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.
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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
