Greener economies through digitalisation
Event report
Speakers:
- Christine Bliss
- Martina Ferracane
- Amy Stuart
- Kevin Verbelen
Moderators:
- Pascal Kerneis
Knowledge Graph of Debate
Session report
Christine Bliss
Digital and services trade play a crucial role in promoting sustainability by enabling effective management and processing of data information. This is particularly significant in creating knowledge about the composition, origin, and properties of products, which are essential for making sustainable choices. Moreover, digital technologies facilitate the efficient monitoring and analysis of environmental data, further supporting sustainability efforts.
However, there are challenges posed by restrictions on digital and services trade, which hamper environmental services trade and hinder the use of digital technologies for promoting sustainability. In recent years, there has been a concerning increase in services trade restrictiveness globally. Barriers to cross-border data transfers have emerged as the most prevalent obstacle, impeding the flow of data essential for sustainable decision-making.
For instance, the Information Technology Foundation has found that 144 restrictions limiting the cross-border flow of data have been imposed by 62 countries. These measures undermine the potential benefits of digital connectivity and hinder international cooperation towards sustainable development.
On a positive note, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies have proven invaluable in climate monitoring and promoting sustainability. FloodBase, a small business founded and owned by women, uses digital technologies to monitor, map, and analyze floods and flood risks in climate-vulnerable communities worldwide. Such initiatives enable better preparedness and response to mitigate the impact of natural disasters, ultimately contributing to sustainability.
Additionally, green data centres have emerged as a crucial component in the storage, maintenance, and dissemination of data, designed to maximize energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact. This highlights the potential for digital technologies not only to enhance sustainability efforts but also to reduce their own carbon footprint.
To further promote sustainability, strong services and digital rules are required to foster research, innovation, knowledge sharing, and decision-making. It is vital to address challenges such as the introduction of customs duties on e-transmission and restrictions such as local presence requirements, digital services taxes, and foreign equity caps. Such measures hamper the flow of innovative digital technologies that can be instrumental in advancing sustainability.
In conclusion, digital and services trade are instrumental in promoting sustainability by facilitating effective data management, supporting climate monitoring, and encouraging innovation. However, restrictions on cross-border data transfers and other barriers hinder the potential of digital technologies for sustainability. By implementing strong services and digital rules and overcoming trade obstacles, an environment conducive to research, innovation, and knowledge sharing can be fostered, contributing to global sustainability goals.
Audience
The discussion covered several important topics related to the digital economy and sustainability. One key point of contention was the GSI e-commerce principle of the free flow of data. It was argued that this principle can restrict countries from dictating the storage location and management of their data, potentially compromising data sovereignty and citizens' data protection.
On the other hand, there was an argument in favor of countries having the ability to demand greener, less polluting data centers for their storage needs. The environmental impact of data centers, which consume significant amounts of energy and contribute to carbon emissions, has become a growing concern. It was emphasized that countries should have the authority to set standards for data centers to promote sustainability and reduce their environmental footprint.
Another significant point raised during the discussion was the role of algorithms in contributing to pollution. An example was provided, highlighting how an algorithm used by a company called Rappi resulted in unnecessary movement of delivery personnel, leading to increased pollution. It was suggested that countries should have access to scrutinize and influence the design of such algorithms to minimize negative environmental impacts. This underscores the growing importance of algorithm auditing and the need to incorporate environmental considerations into their development.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of addressing heterogeneity in determining policy agendas. Heterogeneity refers to the diversity of perspectives, contexts, and challenges that different countries and regions face. Initiatives such as the work being done by ESCAP in the Asia-Pacific region were recognized for their role in addressing this heterogeneity and facilitating meaningful conversations. These efforts aim to promote collaboration and ensure that policies are tailored to specific contexts to maximize their effectiveness.
Overall, this expanded summary encompasses the main points discussed, including concerns about data sovereignty, the importance of promoting greener data centers, the potential pollution caused by algorithms, and the significance of addressing heterogeneity in policy agendas. These discussions contribute to the ongoing dialogue on fostering sustainable and responsible practices in the digital economy.
Martina
According to the analysis, China is the largest implementer of digital trade restrictions, while Europe leads in implementing enabling digital trade policies. This highlights the contrasting approaches taken by different regions in regulating digital trade. The Asia-Pacific region has the most restrictive digital trade policies, while Europe implements the most enabling policies.
The analysis emphasises the importance of regulatory frameworks in digital trade, with evidence showing their significant impact. Open economies have greater incentives to engage in regulatory harmonisation. This underscores the need for suitable regulatory frameworks to facilitate digital trade, supporting economic growth and decent work opportunities.
Heterogeneity in digital trade regulations is particularly important for open economies. Diverse regulatory approaches can lead to additional costs for businesses involved in digital trade. However, countries like New Zealand and Singapore advocate for harmonising digital trade regulatory policies. This promotes a more cohesive digital trade environment.
In Africa, digital trade restrictions hinder trade in services and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) goods. There is a negative correlation between regulations and the import and export of ICT goods and services. These restrictions hinder the growth of crucial sectors and impede progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals of decent work and economic growth.
In conclusion, this analysis highlights the varying approaches to digital trade regulations in different regions. China implements digital trade restrictions, while Europe focuses on enabling policies. Regulatory frameworks are crucial, particularly for open economies where heterogeneity in regulations can introduce additional costs. The detrimental impact of digital trade restrictions on Africa's services and ICT sectors is evident. Establishing enabling and harmonised regulatory frameworks is essential to facilitate digital trade, supporting economic growth and development.
Kevin Verbelen
The analysis highlights the crucial role of digital trade in promoting sustainability and competitiveness for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By integrating software into their operations, Belgian SMEs that produce industrial ovens are able to conveniently monitor energy usage, emission production, and maintenance requirements. This digitisation allows for a reduction in raw material usage and service visits, leading to a decrease in CO2 emissions.
To effectively navigate digital trade, it is important to maintain the moratorium on electronic transmission. Without this moratorium, SMEs, particularly those engaged in producing industrial ovens, would face challenges in managing various aspects of digital trade, such as determining where and how much to pay different governments for data usage.
Global rules on e-signatures can play a pivotal role in enhancing digital trade and sustainability for micro businesses. For example, a micro business of lawyers, establishing a platform providing businesses with standardized contracts and digital archiving, would greatly benefit from global rules on e-signatures. Such rules would facilitate paperless trade, reducing the reliance on paper-based documentation and contributing to a reduction in CO2 emissions.
Furthermore, an expanded Information Technology Agreement (ITA) is necessary to facilitate affordable technology and internet infrastructure. This expansion would help in enhancing education, particularly in the least connected countries, and subsequently contribute to boosting GDP. A UNICEF study supports this argument, indicating that connecting schools in the least connected countries could add 20% to their GDP.
Overall, the sentiment of the analysis is positive, with strong support for maintaining the moratorium on electronic transmission, the Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) on e-commerce, and the expansion of the ITA. Notably, in the context of Ukraine, the digital services sector has shown growth, demonstrating the positive impact of these elements in a challenging economic climate.
This analysis underscores the significance of digital trade, the importance of supportive policies and regulations, and the potential for sustainable growth and development across different sectors. By leveraging digital technologies and embracing global rules and agreements, SMEs and micro businesses can enhance their competitiveness, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to economic growth.
Moderator
Digitalization has the potential to transform the economy in a more sustainable way. It is considered a powerful tool that can drive innovation and promote responsible consumption and production. However, trade barriers imposed by governments are hindering the progress of digitalization and slowing down efforts to combat climate change. This is an important issue because digitalization can play a crucial role in implementing sustainable practices and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
One of the main arguments put forward is the need to establish global rules for international e-commerce or digital trade. This is seen as an effective way to diminish trade barriers and promote sustainability efforts. The removal of barriers and the facilitation of digital trade can encourage the adoption of sustainable practices, particularly in sectors such as agriculture. Digitally enabled services are highlighted as playing a vital role in greening economies and promoting sustainable development.
However, the current restrictive measures and fragmented standards in digitally enabled services are identified as major obstacles to sustainability. These measures not only hinder the implementation of sustainable practices but also have a negative impact on trade. It is argued that greater harmonisation of regulations and the use of international standards are necessary to overcome these challenges. Furthermore, greater stakeholder participation, particularly of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), should be promoted to ensure the development of effective regulations.
The significant contribution of the data centres and ICT sector to global carbon emissions is acknowledged. It is revealed that the energy usage in data centres has increased significantly in recent years, contributing to environmental concerns. However, efforts to make these sectors more sustainable are also recognised, as they are gradually becoming greener and more efficient.
The importance of small businesses in adopting sustainable technology is highlighted. A case study of a Belgian SME specialised in the production of industrial ovens demonstrates how digitisation can help reduce emissions and raw material use. This serves as an argument in favour of maintaining the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions, as it enables small businesses to harness sustainable technology and reduce their environmental impact.
Digital technology is identified as a catalyst for revolutionising education. By connecting schools and making technology more affordable, it has the potential to significantly improve education outcomes, particularly in the least connected countries. Studies suggest that connected schools could increase the GDP of these countries by 20%. Therefore, the expansion of Information Technology Agreement (ITA) is seen as crucial for creating a more connected education environment.
The role of digital trade in sustaining economies, especially in times of crisis, is emphasised. In Ukraine, it is noted that the digital services sector is the only sector that has shown growth during economic difficulties. The establishment of global rules for e-commerce, including the moratorium on customs duties, the Global Services Index (GSI), and the ITA, is seen as essential in enabling countries in economic crisis to sustain their economies.
The negative impact of restrictive legislation on digital trade is addressed. The Asia-Pacific region is identified as the most active in implementing restrictive policies, which limits the use of technology for sustainability. It is argued that more open economies have the greatest incentives to engage in regulatory harmonisation, which can promote sustainable practices and enhance trade.
Efforts to remove trade barriers and facilitate digital trade are being made globally. E-commerce negotiations involving 89 members, including major economies such as the EU, China, the US, Brazil, and a diverse group of developing and least developed members, are underway. The discussions are chaired by countries like Australia, Singapore, and Japan, indicating a commitment to promoting digital trade and economic growth.
The inefficiency of current digital practices and the need for technological advancement are also highlighted. It is pointed out that invoicing processes involve cumbersome manual procedures that are not sustainable. The application of modern technology to trade is insufficient and needs to be improved to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
The introduction of new rules regarding e-invoicing and paperless trading is seen as a potential solution to improve processes and promote sustainability. It is estimated that each electronic invoice saves around $12, highlighting the inefficiency of the current system. The adoption of paperless trading rules reduces handling time and streamlines operations, making them more sustainable.
The importance of consumer protection laws for ensuring product quality and preventing deceptive conduct in e-commerce is emphasised. Agreed-upon and ambitious consumer protection laws are seen as crucial for building trust in digital transactions and promoting a fair and transparent e-commerce environment.
Moreover, the significance of making big government data sets freely accessible and reusable is mentioned. This can facilitate research efforts to fight climate change, as researchers will have better access to weather and environmental data. Spain's Open Government Data Trial is cited as an example, as it has created thousands of jobs by enabling the reuse of government data.
In conclusion, digitalization has the potential to transform the economy in a more sustainable way. However, trade barriers and restrictive legislation hinder progress in digitalization and sustainability efforts. Establishing global rules for digital trade, promoting sustainable technology adoption by small businesses, and ensuring technological advancement are crucial. Efforts to remove trade barriers, facilitate digital trade, and make big government data sets accessible can contribute to sustainable development and combat climate change.
Amy Stewart
Amy Stewart, a prominent figure in e-commerce negotiations, has emphasised the crucial need for establishing global digital trade rules. Given her role as the chairperson of these negotiations, which involve significant global players such as the EU, China, US, and Brazil, her perspective holds great importance.
Stewart highlights the necessity of making the digital economy accessible to everyone, including workers, consumers, and small businesses. She advocates for the full utilisation of technology to enhance lives and streamline business processes. However, she expresses disappointment in the slow progress made in this regard, citing examples of persisting bureaucracy and outdated paper-based systems.
Moreover, Stewart calls for the implementation of a base level consumer protection law on a global scale. To support this argument, she shares a personal experience of an unsatisfactory online shopping experience. Additionally, she expresses concern over the concentration of power in major platforms like Amazon and Alibaba, indicating the need for regulations to prevent the abuse of power.
In terms of data regulations, Stewart firmly opposes data localisation laws. She argues that these laws can be easily overcome by large corporations with extensive legal resources, but they disproportionately burden small businesses. Furthermore, she points out the environmental impact of having to develop servers in every jurisdiction. Stewart's stance highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that considers the interests of all stakeholders.
In line with her advocacy for an inclusive digital economy, Stewart emphasises the importance of negotiating rules around data flows, data localisation, and customs duties on electronic transmissions. She believes that establishing these rules will help create a more equitable and cohesive digital landscape. Not only will it make the internet a more inclusive place, but it will also mitigate the existing fragmentation within the digital economy.
Overall, Stewart's arguments highlight the pressing need for globally accepted regulations in the realm of digital trade. Her perspective sheds light on the challenges faced by various stakeholders, including workers, consumers, small businesses, and the environment. By advocating for a fair and inclusive digital economy, Stewart calls for collaborative efforts to establish rules that address the complexities of data flows and consumer protection while building a more cohesive and accessible digital landscape.
Speakers
AS
Amy Stewart
Speech speed
186 words per minute
Speech length
1567 words
Speech time
505 secs
A
Audience
Speech speed
175 words per minute
Speech length
738 words
Speech time
253 secs
CB
Christine Bliss
Speech speed
132 words per minute
Speech length
1892 words
Speech time
861 secs
KV
Kevin Verbelen
Speech speed
180 words per minute
Speech length
1545 words
Speech time
515 secs
M
Martina
Speech speed
176 words per minute
Speech length
3068 words
Speech time
1049 secs
M
Moderator
Speech speed
154 words per minute
Speech length
1424 words
Speech time
554 secs
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