WTO Public Forum 2019

I. Value creation and capture in the digital economy: Implications for developing countries

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Digital disruptions have rapidly led to the creation of enormous wealth, but it is highly concentrated around a small number of countries, companies and individuals. Meanwhile, they raise fundamental challenges for policy makers in countries at all levels of development. Harnessing digitalization for the many and not just the few, requires creative thinking and policy experimentation and calls for greatly expanded global cooperation.
This session will focus on opportunities and constraints for developing countries to take advantage of the digital economy, notably with regard to digital data and digital platforms. It will address questions such as: How is value created and captured in the digital economy? What are the main causes for the unequal distribution of its gains? What national or international policy changes are needed to make the digital economy work for the many, not just the few? What are the potential implications for the international trading system?