Reaping Digital Dividends: Leveraging the Internet for Development in Europe and Central Asia examines the transformational impact of information technologies and the Internet on economic growth and development. The report builds on some of the main messages from the World Development Report 2016: Digital Dividends, a World Bank flagship report released in 2016.

The upcoming report launch focuses on policy priorities for countries in Europe and Central Asia (ECA). It highlights the benefits of the Internet in the region and analyzes not only telecommunications-specific policies, but also those affecting Internet complements such as skills, labor markets and firms. The analysis covers Internet networks and services, use and adoption of technologies by governments, firms and citizens, and an assessment of the policy framework to guide policymakers and business strategists in promoting the take-up of digital technologies and boosting their analog complements, thereby reaping dividends for the economic and social development of the ECA region.

The report will be presented by Mr. Hernan Winkler, World Bank Economist and one of the report authors.