UNCTAD eWeek 2023

Arguments

Digital trade is at everybody’s doorstep and it’s happening within borders.

Supporting facts:

• Many developing countries are joining the JSI.

Topics: Digital Trade, Global Trade

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Building negotiating capacity and knowledge should happen step-by-step.

Supporting facts:

• Long-term knowledge and capacity building can occur through regional to global extensions and through developmental cooperation.

• The use of dialogues and non-binding principles can propel growth in regulatory capacity.

Topics: Trade Negotiations, Capacity Building

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It is possible to create a global regulatory framework for digital economy issues

Supporting facts:

• Alignment or common ground exists between different approaches suggests a potential for a common regulatory framework

• Example of e-commerce law where there’s been 30 years of coalescing around the regulation

Topics: Trade rules, Regulatory frameworks, Digital economy

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Privacy protection online might be seen differently by countries but it’s fundamental for trust in e-commerce

Supporting facts:

• In the EU, privacy is a fundamental right

• All agree that protecting data online and privacy is important for the trust in e-commerce

Topics: Privacy, E-commerce, Online trust

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Possible to apply trade rules treatment to data flows

Supporting facts:

• There are two main approaches to data flows: the EU’s and the CPTPP approach

• If protectionist measures are removed from the equation, these two approaches are very similar

Topics: Data Flows, Trade rules

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The U.S. did not withdraw from the negotiations, but withdrew their proposals on three articles due to an ongoing internal consultation

Supporting facts:

• The U.S. indicated that they are undergoing an internal consultation as to the balance that those provisions have embedded in them

• The U.S. did not leave the room

Topics: U.S., Data Localization, Negotiations

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The negotiation process is challenging and requires participation from all stakeholders

Supporting facts:

• Every member that has joined has had the opportunity to propose their provisions

• Overall a set of 40 plus or perhaps closer to 60 different proposals on the table

Topics: Negotiations, Stakeholders

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The importance of finding a balance between meaningful rules that support business trade and ensuring legitimate regulatory purposes

Supporting facts:

• The EU developed their position as regards international data flows at around 2018

• Stopping all international trade can lead to loss of jobs and poor economy

Topics: Digital Economy, Businesses, Regulations

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Digital trade is not only for big platforms, but for everybody in the economy, including SMEs

Supporting facts:

• SMEs need digital trade for their processes, designs, etc

• SMEs would find it painful if certain things were not insured as they cannot find it in their local market

Topics: Digital Trade, Economy, SMEs

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Report

The Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) is gaining recognition as a crucial platform for promoting digital trade, reducing inequalities, and supporting economic growth. Developing countries are increasingly realizing the importance of participating in the JSI as digital trade continues to expand.

Implementing digital trade rules can greatly benefit countries in various ways. These rules provide a framework for conducting digital transactions seamlessly, thereby supporting a country’s internal digital economy and facilitating frictionless digital trade. To achieve success in trade negotiations, it is essential to gradually build negotiating capacity and knowledge.

Long-term knowledge and capacity building can be fostered through regional to global extensions and developmental cooperation. Additionally, the use of dialogues and non-binding principles can enhance regulatory capacity growth. This step-by-step approach ensures that countries acquire the necessary skills and expertise to effectively negotiate digital trade rules.

Knowledge building plays a pivotal role in the development of digital trade frameworks. An illustrative example is the model e-commerce law introduced by UNCITRAL in 1996. This law played a significant role in helping countries establish their initial e-commerce frameworks. This demonstrates how accumulating knowledge and building frameworks over time can facilitate the agreement on trade negotiations.

There is a strong potential for the establishment of a global regulatory framework for digital economy issues. Despite different approaches, there is alignment and common ground between diverse perspectives, indicating the possibility of creating a common regulatory framework. Over the past three decades, discussions on the need for regulations in the field of e-commerce have shown a convergence of ideas, suggesting the likelihood of such a global framework.

Protecting data and privacy online is pivotal in fostering trust in e-commerce. While countries may have varying views on privacy protection, the consensus remains that safeguarding data and privacy is crucial. In the European Union (EU), privacy is considered a fundamental right, underscoring the significance of data protection in the digital sphere.

Data flows follow two main approaches—the EU’s approach and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) approach. Despite their differences, it is possible to apply trade rules treatment to data flows if protectionist measures are eliminated. The removal of such measures reveals that the two approaches fundamentally share similarities.

The application of trade rules to Artificial Intelligence (AI) is currently challenging. AI is still in the experimental phase, and numerous uncertainties surround its use. Different countries are experimenting with AI legislation, making it difficult to establish concrete trade rules for this emerging technology.

During negotiations, the United States withdrew its proposals on three articles but remained engaged in the discussion. The US indicated that it was internally consulting in order to strike a balance regarding the provisions embedded in the proposals. This highlights the ongoing nature of negotiations and the willingness of countries to actively participate.

The negotiation process itself is complex and requires involvement from all stakeholders. Every member participating in the JSI has the opportunity to propose provisions, resulting in a diverse set of proposals on the table. The challenge lies in finding common ground and achieving consensus among the various stakeholders involved.

Finding a balance between meaningful rules that support business trade and ensuring legitimate regulatory purposes is crucial. Halting all international trade can have detrimental effects on job opportunities and the overall economy. Therefore, it is crucial to establish regulations that facilitate trade while also meeting legitimate regulatory objectives.

The EU has well-defined regulations concerning the international flows of personal data, provided that privacy is protected. This underscores the EU’s commitment to striking a balance between digital trade and privacy concerns. Lastly, digital trade is not limited to big platforms alone; it is also vital for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the economy.

SMEs rely on digital trade for various processes and designs. Inadequate insurance in certain aspects can impede SMEs’ ability to find alternative solutions within their local markets. In conclusion, the Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) holds immense potential for promoting digital trade, reducing inequalities, and supporting economic growth.

Developing countries are increasingly recognizing the value of participating in the JSI as digital trade continues to expand. Implementing digital trade rules, fostering step-by-step negotiation capacity and knowledge building, establishing a global regulatory framework, protecting data and privacy, addressing data flows and AI, and engaging stakeholders are all crucial elements for ensuring the success of the JSI.

Furthermore, finding the right balance between trade facilitation and regulatory objectives is vital. The EU’s robust regulations on international data flows and the importance of digital trade for SMEs further emphasize the benefits and significance of the JSI.

Arguments

The US recently dropped demands in the joint initiative on e-commerce

Supporting facts:

• The decision was made in the context of the joint initiative on e-commerce

• The demands that were dropped relate to data localization and data governance

Topics: e-commerce, Data localization, Data governance

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Developing countries are not participating in digital trade rules due to their lack of regulations and understanding of the paradigms of those regulations.

Supporting facts:

• The US, who shaped the global digital trade paradigm, has abdicated from top positions due to implications to their domestic regulation. EU’s digital laws and regulations do not correspond to their digital trade positions internationally. Additionally, countries do not have defined regulations and are unaware of the paradigms of those regulations.

Topics: Digital Trade Rules, Developing Countries, Regulations

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The EU protects its agrarian interests but asks African countries to adopt rules set by US big tech.

Supporting facts:

• The EU has a long history of agriculture and still maintains protectionist policies in international trade.

• A push is being made for African countries to join the JSI and adopt rules set by US big tech.

Topics: trade negotiations, technology

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The current system of trade negotiations is biased towards the interests of the developed countries.

Supporting facts:

• The interests of developed countries come before those of developing countries, particularly those in Africa.

• Trade negotiators are seen as serving their domestic interests first.

Topics: trade negotiations, developed and developing countries

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Report

The US recently dropped demands in the joint initiative on e-commerce, specifically related to data localization and data governance. This decision has raised questions about its motivations, particularly regarding African engagement in the negotiations. Developing countries face challenges in participating in digital trade rules due to a lack of regulations and understanding of the paradigms behind them.

This hinders their ability to shape the rules to their advantage and fully engage in discussions. Furthermore, the lack of capacity building for digital trade negotiations and the difficulty in repurposing digital market connectivity pose additional barriers. The absence of fundamental concepts such as fairness, transparency, and data sovereignty in discussions on digital trade rules is highlighted, along with the EU’s protection of its agrarian interests while expecting African countries to adopt rules set by US big tech.

The perceived bias towards the interests of developed countries and the influence of big tech lobbies in shaping trade rules further underscore concerns about equitable representation. The failure to address African countries’ development agenda and the unclear regulations surrounding AI in relation to digital trade rules are additional points of contention.

Overall, the dropping of demands by the US and the challenges faced by developing countries illustrate the need for a more inclusive and equitable approach to digital trade negotiations.

Arguments

Lack of global representation in digital trade negotiations is problematic

Supporting facts:

• If discussions are not held at a global level, we risk having a fractured approach, leading to silos.

• Countries might have to adopt rules not suitable for their development level or priorities.

• Representation across the development chain and regions builds legitimacy in negotiations.

Topics: Digital trade negotiations, Global Representation, Policy Interventions

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Digital trade negotiations need capacity building across different government ministries

Supporting facts:

• Digital trade issues are moving from the trade towards other agreements, necessitating a new mindset

• Development cooperation needs to be cognizant of this shifting landscape

Topics: Digital Trade, Government Ministries, JSI Negotiations

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Early stages of JSI negotiations were intensively fast-tracked leading to challenges

Supporting facts:

• The pacing and facilitation of JSI negotiations, especially in smaller groups, were intense and fast-tracked, leading to challenges

• Negotiations need to change their pace or format to deal with ‘parked articles’

Topics: JSI Negotiations, Geneva, Digital Economy

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Emma Savenborg noted the importance of U.S. data localization and its impact on digital economy

Supporting facts:

• Articles in the agreement are deemed important for businesses to trade

• Next phase negotiation might hold more controversial issues

Topics: U.S. data localization, Digital economy

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Report

The lack of global representation in digital trade negotiations is problematic as it can lead to a fragmented approach and the adoption of rules that may not be suitable for countries’ development level or priorities. Without adequate representation across regions and the development chain, the legitimacy of negotiations can be undermined.

This issue is particularly notable in Africa where limited resources and challenges related to the digital divide hinder participation in digital trade negotiations. However, it is important to note that this lack of participation cannot be solely attributed to being a Less Developed Country (LDC), as there are other factors at play such as a lack of skills in areas like hard infrastructure, regulatory capacity, and negotiation capability.

Limited resources also force countries to make difficult policy choices and the absence of global rules in areas beyond trade can discourage participation. To address these challenges, capacity building is crucial across different government ministries involved in digital trade negotiations.

As digital trade issues go beyond trade agreements, a new mindset is required in development cooperation to ensure all relevant ministries are equipped to handle the complexities of such negotiations. The early stages of Joint Statement Initiatives (JSI) negotiations have been characterized by intense and fast-paced discussions, which have resulted in challenges.

It is suggested that negotiations should consider adjusting the pace or format to address these challenges, particularly when progress is delayed or second phases of negotiations are necessary. This presents an opportunity to refine and optimize negotiation processes. The politicization of JSI negotiations is detrimental as it impedes progress and obstructs constructive discussions.

When negotiations become overly politicized, it hinders the exploration of productive ideas and compromises essential for successful negotiations. Emma Savenborg has emphasized the importance of U.S. data localization and its impact on the digital economy. Certain articles in the agreement are considered crucial for business trade, and more controversial issues may arise in the next phase of negotiations.

Savenborg advocates for active engagement in negotiations to enhance understanding and build trust among stakeholders. Learning from observing can be a beneficial approach during negotiations. Regional agreements are seen as a valuable learning experience informed by global-level discussions. The idea is that regional dialogues can benefit from insights and discussions at the global level, enabling better-informed decision-making.

Overall, the lack of global representation in digital trade negotiations, challenges faced by countries, the need for capacity building, the intensity of JSI negotiations, the politicization of negotiations, the importance of U.S. data localization, and the value of engagement and regional agreements are key points highlighted in this summary.

These insights shed light on the complexities of digital trade negotiations and provide valuable considerations for improving negotiation processes and outcomes.

Arguments

African countries’ reluctance to engage in the digital economy and Joint Statement Initiatives (JSI) is due to unfulfilled promises made at previous negotiations like the Doha round.

Supporting facts:

• African countries view their presence at the WTO through the lens of a development agenda, central to which are the promises made at the Doha Round.

• African countries insist that the issues important to them are already in the Doha agenda and should be resolved before new negotiations start.

Topics: Digital Trade, WTO, African States, Joint Statement Initiatives, Doha Round

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The insistence of African nations for a multilateral trade system and observes of the WTO rules.

Supporting facts:

• African countries stressed on the importance of preserving multilateralism and following WTO rules.

• They regard negotiations outside the purview of the WTO, such as the JSIs, as violating the concept of multilateralism.

Topics: Digital Trade, WTO, African States, Multilateralism, Trade Negotiations

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African countries are facing infrastructural and capacity challenges in engaging in the digital trade of the digital economy.

Supporting facts:

• A digital divide exists with different African states being at different levels of preparedness for the digital economy.

• Issues of infrastructure and lack of appropriate regulatory frameworks are primary among these challenges.

• Many African countries feel disadvantaged and unprepared to negotiate on these issues.

Topics: Digital Trade, African States, Digital Divide, Infrastructure, Capacity Building

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African countries have the urgency to negotiate their own digital regulations.

Supporting facts:

• Negotiating digital regulations at the regional level has always been part of the AFCFTA agenda.

• The protocol being negotiated aims to promote the emergence of African-owned e-commerce platforms at various levels.

• The surge in e-commerce and the rise of the pandemic brought to the forefront the importance of the digital sector.

Topics: Digital regulations, AFCFTA, African Union

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The protocol will be critical for achieving Africa’s economic e-commerce agenda and addressing the digital divide.

Supporting facts:

• Digital economy is relevant for all countries and it’s highly important for the African continent.

• The digital sector surge and the pandemic have further emphasized the importance of e-commerce on the continent.

• The protocol is expected to harmonize some of the trade rules to advance regional integration.

Topics: Digital divide, E-commerce, Digital economy

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AU member states should participate in all international forums where e-commerce and digital trade negotiations or discussions are happening

Supporting facts:

• Participation does not only entail participation in the WTO, but also in other forums where these conversations are happening

• A unified approach would provide better developmental outcomes that capture Africa’s overlapping challenges for different government mandates

Topics: Digital trade, E-commerce, International negotiations

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There is a gap in terms of the information during the negotiation process

Supporting facts:

• During the discussions, not everyone is invited to the table, causing information disparity

Topics: Negotiation Process, Regulators’ Paradigm

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Lack of trust exists among negotiators from the African countries

Supporting facts:

• African countries do not believe they are negotiating in good faith due to past experiences

Topics: Negotiation Process, Developing Countries

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African countries feel there has been no meaningful engagement in the negotiation processes

Supporting facts:

• It’s difficult for African countries to engage when other’s interests are elsewhere

Topics: Negotiation Process, Developing Countries

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Report

African countries have expressed reluctance to engage in the digital economy and Joint Statement Initiatives (JSIs) due to unfulfilled promises made during previous negotiations, particularly the Doha Round. They argue that these unmet commitments must be addressed before introducing new negotiations.

African nations emphasize the importance of preserving multilateralism and adhering to the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO). They view negotiations outside the scope of the WTO, such as the JSIs, as a violation of the concept of multilateralism.

One major challenge for African countries in digital trade is the digital divide. Different African states face varying levels of readiness for the digital economy, with infrastructure issues and a lack of appropriate regulatory frameworks being the primary obstacles. Consequently, many African countries feel disadvantaged and unprepared to negotiate on these issues.

In response to these challenges, African countries are urgently seeking to negotiate their own digital regulations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA). They aim to promote the emergence of African-owned e-commerce platforms and address the digital divide. The AFCFTA digital trade protocol is considered crucial for advancing Africa’s economic e-commerce agenda.

This protocol is expected to harmonize trade rules and facilitate regional integration. Furthermore, it is believed that the AFCFTA digital trade protocol could have a positive impact on Africa’s e-commerce and digital economy. African Union member states are encouraged to participate in all international forums where e-commerce and digital trade negotiations take place, as a unified approach would yield better developmental outcomes that consider Africa’s overlapping challenges.

In terms of regulations, a one-size-fits-all approach is not considered effective for e-commerce regulations in Africa. Instead, a flexible approach that considers development capacities, digital readiness, and national contexts is advocated. African countries argue that taking these factors into account would result in more tailored and appropriate regulations for the African context.

The analysis also reveals disparities in information during the negotiation process, where not everyone is invited to the table, leading to gaps in knowledge and understanding. This underscores the need for better information sharing and inclusion in the negotiation process.

Moreover, a lack of trust exists among negotiators from African countries. Past experiences have led the African nations to doubt the good faith of negotiations. This lack of trust hinders meaningful engagement in the negotiation processes and calls for rebuilding trust and confidence among the participants.

To address these challenges, there is a need for increased capacity building for negotiators. Although there are initiatives to support negotiators, the presence of mistrust undermines the confidence of African countries in the effective representation of their voices. Strengthening the capacity of negotiators would help ensure a more informed and influential African presence in trade negotiations.

In conclusion, African countries are facing various challenges in engaging in the digital economy and Joint Statement Initiatives. The unfulfilled promises from previous negotiations, the emphasis on preserving multilateralism, the digital divide, and infrastructure and regulatory obstacles are all factors contributing to their reluctance.

However, negotiations at the regional level, such as the AFCFTA digital trade protocol, are seen as critical for advancing African e-commerce and addressing these challenges. The analysis reveals the need for tailored and context-specific regulations, increased information sharing, trust-building, and capacity building to effectively represent and address the concerns of African countries in the digital trade arena.

Arguments

Digital trade can be an effective tool to promoting greater inclusiveness

Supporting facts:

• Recent work at the OECD highlights that growing digital connectivity leads to more domestic and more international trade across countries at all levels of development

• Emerging digital technology is crucial for sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing etc.

Topics: Digital trade, Inclusiveness, Development

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Growing divergences in regulatory approaches risk further fragmenting the global digital economy

Supporting facts:

• Regulations are creating network systems that limits the global and borderless characteristic of internet

• The growing digital regulations are region specific which might lead to fragmentation

Topics: Digital trade, Global economy, Regulatory approaches

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Creating a global framework for digital trade is extremely important

Supporting facts:

• Internet is global and borderless and regulations should follow the same

• A global framework can avoid region specific network systems

Topics: Digital trade, Digital regulation, Global framework

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The complexity of issues in digital trade agreements is vast

Supporting facts:

• From the perspective of both developed and developing countries, understanding artificial intelligence and other aspects of the digital economy are a major challenge

• The vastness of these issues could lead to a siloed approach

Topics: Digital Economy, Artificial Intelligence, Trade Agreements

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Non-participation in digital trade negotiations by some countries makes them rule-takers, not rule-makers

Supporting facts:

• If you’re not at the table you’re a rule taker not a rule maker

• The dangers that this brings in all of this where countries might have to accept regulations that do not cater to their level of development or priorities

Topics: Digital Economy, Trade Agreements, Global Negotiations

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The legitimacy of global trade negotiations is threatened by lack of sufficient representation

Supporting facts:

• Negotiations will not be truly global or multilateral if a major portion of the world is missing from the decision making process

• Representation across the board creates legitimacy for negotiations

Topics: Global Negotiations, Trade Agreements, Digital Economy

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Lack of appropriate domestic policies can hinder international negotiations

Supporting facts:

• If countries don’t have a privacy and data protection regulation, it might be difficult for them to negotiate these issues on an international action or in different trade agreements

Topics: Domestic Policies, International Negotiations, Trade Agreements

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Digital trade being at your doorstep, which is a point observed not only in Africa but also in other OECD countries

Supporting facts:

• The African countries are negotiating their own digital regulations

• The AU protocol on digital trade to harmonize trade rules and promote African owned e-commerce platforms

• No global rules currently exist on digital trade

Topics: Digital Trade, OECD, AFCFTA, Trade Negotiations, Regional Integration

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The idea of digital trade for Africans, with rules created by Africans keeping developmental aspects in mind

Supporting facts:

• The AU is pursuing rules to regulate the digital sector

• The AFCFTA protocol to promote e-commerce and address the digital divide present in Africa

Topics: Digital Trade, African Union, Trade Regulations, Development

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Digital trade needs a holistic approach and knowledge building.

Supporting facts:

• Infrastructure and skills are important to the development of digital trade.

• Digital trade rules are not the only focus; work on aligning digital regulatory frameworks decreases friction and aids agreement on common rules.

Topics: Digital Trade, Economy, Global Trade

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Negotiating capacity, technical capacity, and implementation capacity need to be improved.

Supporting facts:

• Challenges of limited human and technical resources hinder the ability to seize opportunities in digital solutions and participate in the negotiations actively.

• Assistance via development cooperation can aid in gaining knowledge and implementing rules effectively.

Topics: Trade Negotiations, Digital Trade

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Growth in understanding the disciplines of digital regulatory frameworks is necessary.

Supporting facts:

• A learning curve can be walked gradually in terms of digital trade-related laws and their enforcement.

• The African free trade agreement serves as an example of starting regional and then expanding to continental and global levels for building up negotiating capacity.

Topics: Digital Trade, Regulatory Frameworks, Trade

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The need for more informal coordination on technologically challenging new issues

Supporting facts:

• Some of the mechanisms that we’re seeing in the digital economy agreements include non-binding rules. However, countries show a willingness to sit together and discuss these topics.

• The African continent has already laid a lot of policy groundwork for these discussions. Hence, the negotiations are not starting from scratch.

Topics: Digital Trade, E-Commerce, WTO Negotiations, AI and Trade, Digital Identities, Inclusion of SMEs

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There’s a lack of understanding and trust in what trade policy makers actually do

Supporting facts:

• Emma Savenborg pointed out that trade policy makers are no longer in the driver’s seat and must learn to adapt

• Trade policy makers are often viewed as potentially jeopardizing other regulations in negotiations

Topics: Trade Policy, Regulation

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There’s a large imbalance between the percentage of aid for trade that goes towards digital trade and the percentage of the economy that digital trade constitutes

Supporting facts:

• 0.4% of aid for trade goes to things considered digital trade

• Digital trade represents about 25% of the economy

Topics: Digital Trade, Aid for Trade

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Global regulatory frameworks rather than trades, regulatory frameworks, is important

Supporting facts:

• Mentioned that there’s a need for a global regulatory framework that can accommodate different approaches to data flows.

Topics: Global Regulation, Trade

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Artificial Intelligence needs special attention or exceptions in the context of trade rules

Supporting facts:

• He suggested discussing whether we need trade rules with special exceptions for artificial intelligence.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Trade Rules

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Report

The analysis focuses on the topic of digital trade and its implications for inclusiveness and development. It highlights recent work at the OECD, which has found that growing digital connectivity leads to increased domestic and international trade across countries at all levels of development.

This indicates that digital trade can be an effective tool for promoting greater inclusiveness. Emerging digital technology is also highlighted as crucial for sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing. It is believed that digital trade can significantly contribute to economic growth and development in various industries.

However, the analysis also raises concerns about the growing divergences in regulatory approaches to digital trade. It argues that regulations are creating network systems that limit the global and borderless characteristics of the internet. The increase in region-specific digital regulations poses a risk of fragmenting the global digital economy.

To address these concerns and maintain the global and borderless nature of the internet, it is argued that creating a global framework for digital trade is extremely important. The internet is seen as a global and borderless entity, and regulations should follow the same principles.

One significant issue highlighted is the low participation and engagement from developing countries in digital trade negotiations. This lack of involvement makes these countries rule-takers rather than rule-makers. Participation from African nations in discussions on digital trade at the World Trade Organization (WTO) remains low, and no low-income country currently has a digital trade chapter in their Regional Trade Agreement (RTA).

This lack of representation exacerbates the potential risks of accepting regulations that do not cater to their level of development or priorities. The analysis also emphasizes the complexity of issues in digital trade agreements. Understanding artificial intelligence and other aspects of the digital economy are identified as major challenges for both developed and developing countries.

It is argued that a siloed approach to these issues could hinder effective negotiation and implementation of digital trade agreements. Non-participation in digital trade negotiations by some countries is seen as a factor that makes them rule-takers instead of rule-makers.

The legitimacy of global trade negotiations is threatened by the lack of sufficient representation across the board. Lack of appropriate domestic policies is identified as a hindrance to international negotiations. Without privacy and data protection regulations in place, countries may struggle to negotiate these issues effectively on an international level or within different trade agreements.

The analysis highlights the unique challenges and opportunities for digital trade in Africa. The African Union (AU) is pursuing rules to regulate the digital sector and promote e-commerce. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) is seen as an opportunity to establish global rules of the game.

The AU protocol on digital trade aims to harmonize trade rules and promote African-owned e-commerce platforms. Currently, there are no global rules on digital trade, and the need for such rules in Africa and other OECD countries is emphasized. Digital trade is viewed positively as a means of promoting African development while considering the continent’s unique challenges and priorities.

The idea of digital trade for Africans, with rules created by Africans, is seen as a way to bridge the digital divide and ensure inclusivity. The analysis also suggests bringing AFCFTA discussions into global multilateral platforms as a means to establish global rules for the digital economy.

The harmonization of trade rules and multilateralizing regionalism is seen as a necessary step towards creating a supportive global trade environment. It is argued that a holistic approach to digital trade is needed, which includes infrastructure development, skills training, and alignment of digital regulatory frameworks.

Digital trade rules alone are not enough; efforts to decrease friction and agree on common rules through aligning regulations are imperative. Improving negotiating capacity, technical capacity, and implementation capacity is seen as paramount to fully seize the opportunities and benefits of digital trade.

Assistance via development cooperation is highlighted as a means to enhance knowledge and effectively implement digital trade rules. The analysis also emphasizes the need for growth in understanding the disciplines of digital regulatory frameworks. A gradual learning curve is encouraged in terms of digital trade-related laws and their enforcement.

Starting at regional and expanding to continental and global levels can help build negotiating capacity. The analysis identifies the need for more informal coordination on technologically challenging new issues in the digital economy agreements. The African continent is mentioned as having already laid groundwork for such discussions, which means negotiations are not starting from scratch.

Flexibility in international trade rules is recognized as necessary to accommodate the varying situations of different nations. However, it is also recommended to have some binding rules to prevent excessive uncertainties. The lack of understanding and trust in what trade policy makers actually do is seen as a challenge.

Trade policy makers are often viewed as potentially jeopardizing other regulations in negotiations. This lack of understanding undermines effective decision-making in trade policy formulation. Furthermore, it is highlighted that there is a large imbalance between the percentage of aid for trade that goes towards digital trade and the contribution of digital trade to the economy.

Given that digital trade represents about 25% of the economy, more attention and funding should be allocated to support its growth. The analysis concludes by emphasizing the need for a global regulatory framework that balances diverse country approaches to issues like data flows and privacy protection.

This lack of global consensus on how to regulate the digital economy underscores the importance of creating such a framework to provide convergence and facilitate trade. Additionally, trade language is recognized as playing a crucial role in managing the flexibilities of different approaches to data flows and in sanctioning protectionist measures.

It is seen as a useful tool in ensuring that all approaches to digital trade work based on international rules. Finally, the analysis mentions the need for special attention or exceptions in trade rules for artificial intelligence. This indicates that the unique challenges and complexities presented by artificial intelligence require specific considerations in trade rule formulation.

To summarize, the analysis highlights the potential of digital trade in promoting inclusiveness and development. It raises concerns about the divergent regulatory approaches that risk fragmenting the global digital economy. The importance of creating a global framework and increasing participation from developing countries in digital trade negotiations is emphasized.

The challenges and opportunities for digital trade in Africa are discussed, along with the need for a holistic approach, capacity-building, and a balanced regulatory framework. Flexibility in international trade rules, understanding of trade policy makers’ role, and the need for more support for digital trade are also highlighted.

Arguments

Need for standardisation and guidelines

Supporting facts:

• If standards weren’t needed, the world would have moved beyond them already

Topics: Standardisation, Guidelines, ISO

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Need for proper experts contributing to standards

Supporting facts:

• To participate, one must pay to be a member of national ISO committee

• Many experts from academics and small-medium sized companies can’t afford to pay this amount

• Experts from developing countries have less possibilities to participate in in-person meetings

• Many developing countries only have observer rights because they don’t have full membership

Topics: ISO Standards, Expert Participation

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Participation in technical committees of ISO is dependent on the national bodies and the unique procedures they adopt.

Supporting facts:

• The ISO does not govern the process of how members or experts are chosen for participation in technical committees.

• The approach varies from country to country, and is managed at a national level, not by ISO.

Topics: ISO, Technical Committees

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ISO has an action plan for developing countries to ensure representation and participation.

Supporting facts:

• ISO’s department administers the APDC (Action Plan for Developing Countries).

• The APDC includes a Sponsorship Program to enable countries to participate based on their national needs.

• ISO provides training to developing countries to understand ISO’s system.

Topics: ISO, Developing Countries

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ISO is working on key international standards in areas of sustainability and circular economy.

Supporting facts:

• ISO has newly started committees for the SDGs, Biodiversity and Circular Economy.

• They provide additional support for experts from developing countries to participate in these committees.

Topics: ISO, Biodiversity, Circular Economy, SDGs

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ISO’s viewpoint is that the cost of standards is necessary to cover development costs and the system is not for profit.

Supporting facts:

• The cost associated with ISO standards is utilized to offset the cost of their development.

• ISO operates on a non-profit basis.

Topics: ISO, Cost of Standards

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Regulation is catching up with e-commerce, like it did with mobile money and cryptocurrencies, potentially complicating trade

Supporting facts:

• The example of mobile money being regulated across Africa

• Emergence and regulation of cryptocurrencies

• Increased interest in e-commerce regulation due to COVID-19

Topics: E-Commerce, Regulation, Trade, Mobile Money, Cryptocurrencies

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Small businesses might need support in understanding and adapting to increasingly complex trade regulations

Supporting facts:

• SMEs and MSMEs globally may struggle to understand new regulatory complexities

• The speaker mentions the potential difficulty for small businesses ‘sitting anywhere’

Topics: SMEs, MSMEs, Trade Regulations, Digitalization

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The consideration of fees and charges in cross-border trade regulatory environment

Supporting facts:

• Questioning the necessity of certain charges

• Necessity to conform to best practices and global rules

Topics: Cross-border trade, Regulations, Fees and charges

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National Trade Facilitation Committee’s role in information sharing

Supporting facts:

• Importance of the committee is being overlooked

Topics: National Trade Facilitation Committee, Information Sharing

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Continuously improving and looking at the best practices is key

Supporting facts:

• Discussion about the National Trade Facilitation Committee

Topics: Trade Facilitation, Improvement

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Report

The analysis emphasises the importance of standardisation and guidelines to ensure consistency on a global scale. It is argued that without the need for standards, the world would have already moved beyond their necessity. This highlights the role that standards play in facilitating trade and promoting harmonisation.

However, concerns are raised regarding the accessibility of experts to contribute to ISO standards. It is noted that experts need to pay for membership in the national ISO committee, creating a financial barrier for many small and medium-sized companies, academics, and researchers.

This particularly impacts experts from developing countries, who often cannot afford the membership fees and, as a result, have limited opportunities for participation in in-person meetings. These developing countries often have observer rights rather than full membership. A related concern is the disproportionate representation of experts from big companies in ISO committees, raising questions about inequalities.

The argument is made that participation in ISO groups requires payment, and big companies have better financial leverage to afford ISO membership. This creates a potential imbalance in the input and decision-making process, favouring big companies over smaller ones and perpetuating inequalities.

ISO itself recognises the importance of participation in its technical committees but acknowledges that the process of selecting members and experts varies from country to country. This means that participation is dependent on national bodies and the unique procedures they adopt.

This decentralised approach allows for flexibility but may also raise concerns about inconsistencies in the selection process. To address concerns regarding representation, ISO has an action plan for developing countries which includes the administration of the Action Plan for Developing Countries (APDC).

The APDC aims to enable countries to participate based on their national needs and provides training to help them understand ISO’s system. This demonstrates ISO’s commitment to ensuring representation and participation from developing countries. In addition to representation, ISO is actively working on developing international standards in areas of sustainability and circular economy.

It has set up newly formed committees for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Biodiversity, and Circular Economy. Furthermore, ISO provides additional support for experts from developing countries to participate in these committees. This shows ISO’s efforts towards promoting sustainability and addressing global challenges.

One significant barrier highlighted in the analysis is the cost associated with ISO standards. The example given is a 50-page standard that costs $100, which can be a significant expense for many. This cost is utilised to cover the development costs of the standards, as ISO operates on a non-profit basis.

However, the cost can be prohibitive, especially for developing countries that may require forthcoming ISO standards on SDGs and the circular economy. Regulation in e-commerce, mobile money, and cryptocurrencies is identified as a potential complicating factor in trade. The example of mobile money being regulated across Africa and the emergence and regulation of cryptocurrencies demonstrates the increasing interest in regulating these areas.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also spurred greater interest in e-commerce regulation. The Trade Facilitation Agreement aims for harmonisation, standardisation, and simplification to facilitate trade. However, some argue that the focus on harmonisation and standardisation has overshadowed the goal of simplification, resulting in added regulatory complexity.

This perceived emphasis on regulatory complexity can hinder trade facilitation rather than promote it. Small businesses, particularly SMEs and MSMEs, may struggle to understand and adapt to the increasingly complex trade regulations. The analysis suggests that these small businesses require support in navigating these regulations.

This highlights the need for capacity-building initiatives and resources to assist small businesses in complying with trade regulations. Fees and charges in the cross-border trade regulatory environment are also considered. The necessity of certain charges is questioned, and it is emphasised that conformity to best practices and global rules is essential.

This reflects the importance of considering the economic implications and fairness of fees and charges in facilitating cross-border trade. The role of the National Trade Facilitation Committee in information sharing is highlighted as being often overlooked. The committee plays a vital role in coordinating and disseminating information related to trade facilitation initiatives.

Recognising and utilising the committee’s role in promoting information sharing can contribute to more effective trade facilitation efforts. Overall, the analysis reveals the complex and multifaceted nature of standardisation, regulation, and trade facilitation. It underscores the importance of addressing barriers to participation, ensuring representation from diverse stakeholders, and striking a balance between harmonisation and simplification.

The analysis also highlights the need to support small businesses and consider the economic implications of fees and charges in cross-border trade. These observations provide valuable insights for policymakers, industry professionals, and stakeholders involved in trade facilitation.

Arguments

Rapid digitization has not always delivered a lot of value to SMEs

Supporting facts:

• Many SMEs have reported increased complexity with more platforms to connect to, different standards and data requirements, and issues with electronic signatures

• Initiatives like digitizing non-customs formalities, cross-border digital exchanges, e-customs strategies, and resolution of e-signature problems have been noted during COVID time

Topics: Digitization, SMEs, Trade, Standardization

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The WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) Article 10.3 encourages continuous dialogue on standardization

Supporting facts:

• Article 10.3 of the WTO TFA encourages the use of international standards for procedures and formalities and invites the Committee on Trade Facilitation at the WTO to hold an ongoing dialogue on standards

Topics: WTO, Trade Facilitation Agreement, Standardization

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The introduction of containerization massively disrupted work in harbors but also drove globalization and led to new trade opportunities.

Supporting facts:

• Containerization reduced the time to off-load a ship from a week to a day and a half.

• Containerization led to increased trade opportunities.

Topics: containerization, globalization, trade

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Knowledge about standards and contributions to setting them needs to be increased

Supporting facts:

• National trade facilitation committees should be trained in standards, standard setting, standards development

• The UNCEFAC body is an open development process, though it requires effort and learning

Topics: Standards, Trade Facilitation, Policy Making

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Public civil servants should embrace digitization

Supporting facts:

• Civil servants don’t need to be top digitization experts, but they should bring their needs in a way that experts can react

• The majority of people will have to face digitization

Topics: Digital Transformation, Government Policy

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Digitization doesn’t necessarily simplify processes or make them more useful

Supporting facts:

• Digitization of non-preferential certificate of origin doesn’t make it more useful

• Most customs administration still conduct their own verification regardless of the digital certificate’s format

Topics: Digitization, Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), Regulatory Framework

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We should move away from the centralised vision of standardisation in digitisation

Supporting facts:

• Standardisation is currently occurring within small sectors and business domains

Topics: Digitisation, Data Standardisation, Centralised Data Model

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Report

The analysis reveals that the rapid digitisation that has occurred has not always delivered significant value to SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises). SMEs have reported facing challenges such as increased complexity in connecting to multiple platforms, different data requirements and standards, and problems with electronic signatures.

These issues have hindered their ability to fully utilise the benefits of digitisation. The analysis argues for a reevaluation of the approach to digitisation and standardisation. It highlights concerns about the scalability of solutions and platforms, a focus on documentation rather than processes, and the prioritisation of feasibility over necessity in projects.

Additionally, there are indications that some digitisation initiatives have been unsustainable and costly. The analysis also addresses the role of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in promoting standardisation. Article 10.3 of the TFA is specifically mentioned, as it encourages ongoing dialogue on standardisation.

However, there is a call for better integration of standardisation discussions with policy and operational processes. The impact of containerisation is acknowledged, as it has brought about significant disruptions in harbour work. While it has improved efficiency by reducing ship off-loading time, it has also driven globalisation and created new trade opportunities.

The analysis raises concerns about the effect of technological advancements on the workforce and underscores the need for capacity building and acquisition of new skills. It emphasises the importance for companies to consider the impact of technological solutions on their workforce and adapt accordingly.

Increased knowledge about standards and greater participation from developing countries in standard-setting forums are also advocated in the analysis. There is a push for a more inclusive and needs-driven approach to standardisation. The analysis underscores the importance of public civil servants embracing digitisation.

Civil servants are encouraged to communicate their needs in a manner that digital experts can effectively address. In addition, the analysis suggests more active utilisation of WTO Article 10.3 to foster the sharing of standardisation processes, not just the achievement of standards.

Although digitisation has the potential to bring benefits, the analysis notes that it alone does not necessarily simplify processes or make them more useful. A revision of the regulatory framework is proposed as a potentially more effective tool for achieving efficiency and simplification.

The analysis reveals that standardisation within the context of digitisation is currently occurring within small sectors and business domains. It calls for a move away from a centralised approach to standardisation and recommends regulatory oversight by organisations such as the World Customs Organization (WCO), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and UN Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT).

In conclusion, the analysis highlights the challenges faced by SMEs in fully utilising the benefits of rapid digitisation. It calls for a reconsideration of current approaches to digitisation and standardisation, better integration between standardisation discussions and policy and operational processes, and consideration of the workforce implications of technological advancements.

It also emphasises the need for increased knowledge and participation in standard-setting forums, as well as a revision of the regulatory framework. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of public civil servants embracing digitisation and advocates for more active implementation of WTO Article 10.3.

Arguments

Trade is both a part of the climate problem and its solution

Supporting facts:

• Countries need to produce diverse goods to cope with climate change, these goods are only manufactured in some countries necessitating trade

• WTO Director General launched trade policy toolkit on climate change

Topics: Climate change, Trade

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There has been a massive increase in non-tariff measures corresponding to the decrease in tariffs

Supporting facts:

• Over 1,180 energy efficient regulations have been notified to the WTO by approximately 70 members since 2009

• The technically complex and diverse nature of non-tariff measures are mentioned in WTO’s report

Topics: International Trade, Non-tariff measures

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International Standards Organisation is developing standards for a wide range like food safety, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence

Supporting facts:

• ISO has a global network of 169 members

• Three-quarters of ISO’s members are from developing countries

• ISO is working on making sure that all voices are heard in international standardization activities

Topics: International Standards Organisation, Artificial Intelligence, Food Safety

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Participation in technical committees decided by national bodies

Supporting facts:

• Participation in the technical committees is decided by national standards body and not governed at ISO level

• Different countries have different models and approaches when it comes to participation.

Topics: ISO Membership, ISO Standards, Developing countries, Academia, Technical committees

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ISO has action plan to include developing countries in standardization process

Supporting facts:

• ISO has an Action Plan for Developing Countries (APDC) administered by Keick’s department

• They provide training and sponsorship opportunities to developing countries to participate actively in the technical committees

• They support participation based on the respective country’s national priorities and needs.

Topics: Developing countries, ISO Standards, Action Plan

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The cost of ISO standards is to defray the cost of developing the standards, not for profit

Supporting facts:

• ISO system is not for profit

• Part of the cost is used for developing standards

Topics: ISO standards, Cost

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Public goods developed by international organizations often have costs attached

Topics: Public goods, International organizations, Cost

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ISO standards adopted by government agencies in developing countries are subject to the cost structure of that country

Supporting facts:

• ISO standards adopted by developing country members are part of the trade ministries of their countries

• If they adopt an ISO standard, it’s not subject to the ISO cost structure

Topics: ISO standards, Adoption, Government agencies, Developing countries, Cost structure

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Conformity assessment can pose a cost factor

Supporting facts:

• Conformity assessment costs can vary based on national standards of each country

• ISO doesn’t regulate this, but sets the procedures

Topics: Conformity assessment, Cost

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Inculcation of good regulatory practice to review and update technical regulations

Supporting facts:

• The Toolkit on Standards and Public Policy provides guidance on use of international standards for updating technical regulations regularly

• Standardization need not always be centralised, as it is happening in smaller sectors and business domains

Topics: National Trade Facilitation Committee, Trade Standards, Regulatory Practice

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Report

The International Standards Organisation (ISO) is playing a significant role in addressing a variety of global challenges, including climate change and non-tariff measures related to international trade. ISO is actively involved in developing standards for sectors such as food safety, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence.

These standards are crucial for ensuring responsible consumption and production and promoting industry innovation and infrastructure. ISO is committed to inclusivity and actively involves diverse voices, particularly from developing countries, in its standardization activities. With a global network of 169 members, ISO recognizes the importance of hearing perspectives from different regions and backgrounds.

Initiatives like the Action Plan for Developing Countries provide training and sponsorship opportunities to encourage active participation in technical committees. One of the key arguments is that ISO standards offer a solution to the increase in non-tariff measures. The World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement encourages the use of international standards to regulate the movement of goods.

ISO’s Committee on Conformity Assessment (CASCO) plays a crucial role in developing international standards for laboratory testing, inspection, and certification. By adopting these standards, countries can overcome challenges posed by non-tariff measures and ensure smoother trade. ISO operates on a not-for-profit basis.

The cost associated with ISO standards primarily covers the expenses of developing and maintaining these standards, reflecting ISO’s commitment to providing high-quality standards without seeking financial gain. ISO also focuses on developing procedures that governments can utilize to prevent wasteful duplication of resources.

By encouraging governments to use ISO standards, duplication and resource waste can be minimized, promoting responsible consumption and production in line with Sustainable Development Goal 12. The need for good regulatory practice in reviewing and updating technical regulations is emphasized. ISO’s Toolkit on Standards and Public Policy provides guidance on using international standards to facilitate good regulatory practices, ensuring regulations are regularly updated and align with industry advancements.

Additionally, the digitization process presents an opportunity to centralize trade data models while recognizing the importance of measures happening beyond the border. ISO aims to drive industry innovation and infrastructure in line with Sustainable Development Goal 9, promoting sustainable economic growth.

In conclusion, the International Standards Organisation (ISO) plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, non-tariff measures, and international trade. By developing standards for various sectors, promoting inclusivity, encouraging good regulatory practices, and embracing digitization, ISO contributes to responsible consumption and production, industry innovation, and infrastructure development.

With its not-for-profit approach, ISO ensures the availability of high-quality standards while minimizing duplication and waste of resources.

Arguments

Digitization of cross-border trade has accelerated amidst COVID-19

Supporting facts:

• COVID-19 has led to a lot of reforms and digital solutions in cross-border trade

• UNCTAD survey demonstrates improvements in digital and sustainable trade facilitation during the pandemic

• Exponential growth in AI observed during COVID-19 pandemic

Topics: Trade facilitation, Digital reforms, COVID-19

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Digital trade facilitation does not compromise security

Supporting facts:

• Trade facilitation measures such as electronic payment, risk management, authorized economic operators and border agency cooperation have a high correlation with improved performance

• A balanced approach in trade facilitation can also provide security

Topics: Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), Port efficiency, Digital solutions

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Fear of job losses due to automation and digitization

Supporting facts:

• The process of automation and digitalization can make some manual jobs obsolete, such as collecting coins on the bus in Chile

• With the advancement of AI and robotics, there is a risk of fewer jobs in the future

Topics: Automation, Digitization, Employment

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Digitalization, similar to containerization, could have a significant impact on trade.

Supporting facts:

• Containerization had a disruptive impact on work in harbors, reducing cargo offloading time drastically.

• Containerization led to the creation of many trade opportunities and drove globalization.

Topics: Digitalization, Global Trade

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Report

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on cross-border trade, leading to significant reforms and the accelerated adoption of digital solutions. These reforms and digital solutions have been instrumental in ensuring the smooth flow of trade amidst the global crisis.

A survey conducted by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) demonstrates the positive improvements in digital and sustainable trade facilitation during the pandemic. Moreover, there has been remarkable exponential growth in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the trade sector, further contributing to the digitisation of cross-border transactions.

One of the key arguments put forth is that the digitisation of trade facilitation does not compromise security. In fact, trade facilitation measures such as electronic payment systems and risk management have been found to have a high correlation with improved performance.

These measures, alongside other initiatives like authorised economic operators and border agency cooperation, have helped enhance the efficiency and security of cross-border trade. It is evident that a balanced approach to trade facilitation can provide both economic benefits and ensure a safe and secure trading environment.

Another important aspect highlighted is the importance of continuous improvement in trade facilitation. This is emphasised in Article 10.1 of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), which calls for the continuous review and reduction of trade restrictions. The TFA provides a framework for countries to enhance their trade facilitation efforts and ensure a more seamless movement of goods across borders.

The continuous improvement of trade facilitation is seen as crucial in enabling businesses to adapt to rapidly changing global trade dynamics. However, there are concerns about the potential job losses resulting from automation and digitisation. As automation and digitisation progress, certain manual jobs may become obsolete.

For example, in Chile, the process of automation and digitisation has eliminated the need for manual coin collection on buses. With the advancements in AI and robotics, there is a legitimate fear that fewer jobs may be available in the future.

Despite this concern, there is uncertainty about whether automation and digitisation will ultimately create more jobs in the long run. Historical examples, such as the transition from agriculture to other sectors during the industrialisation process, have led to increased food production with fewer people.

Whether AI and robotics will follow a similar pattern is yet to be seen. Digitalisation is expected to have a significant impact on trade, similar to how containerisation revolutionised the industry and drove globalisation. The disruptive impact of containerisation on work in harbours, with the drastic reduction in cargo offloading time, led to the creation of numerous trade opportunities.

Likewise, digitalisation has the potential to reshape trade norms and processes, opening up new avenues for trade expansion and efficiency gains. To ensure the success of private sector initiatives like digitalisation, global standards are crucial. This has been observed in the case of containerisation, where the impact was magnified once standardised sizes and global standards were put in place.

The development of the container by truck driver McLean and the subsequent adoption of standardised sizes greatly facilitated the smooth movement of goods across borders and contributed to the growth of global trade. Similarly, establishing global standards in the digitalisation era will be instrumental in enabling trade facilitation and unlocking the full potential of this transformation in the trade sector.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has driven the acceleration of digitalisation in cross-border trade, leading to significant reforms and the adoption of digital solutions. The UNCTAD survey highlights the positive improvements in digital and sustainable trade facilitation during this challenging time.

Although concerns about job losses due to automation and digitisation exist, there is uncertainty about whether these advancements will ultimately create more jobs in the long run. Nonetheless, it is widely acknowledged that digitalisation has the potential to profoundly impact trade, similar to the disruptive influence of containerisation on the industry.

To fully realise the benefits of digitalisation, global standards are crucial to ensure a harmonised and efficient trading environment.

Arguments

Digitization is essential for moving huge volumes of goods across borders in a time-definite manner

Supporting facts:

• DHL operates in over 220 countries and territories with over 3 million customers and clears over 200 million-plus shipments annually

• Many of DHL’s customers are SMEs

• DHL offers a service for submitting all trade-related documents in electronic form, known as paperless trade

Topics: Digitization, Trade, Cross-Border Movement

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Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) provisions must be implemented correctly for businesses to operate effectively

Supporting facts:

• The TFA provisions like Article 7.8 on expedited shipments and Article 7.1 on advanced lodging for pre-arrival processing are important for DHL’s business

• DHL has the status of an AEO accredited company in many countries which makes it be in line with all the legal requirements

Topics: Trade Facilitation Agreement, Customs, Regulations

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Submitting accurate data is important for smooth global trade

Supporting facts:

• DHL has a data flow where the shippers provide data, which is then input into a customs declaration form and submitted to customs

Topics: Data Submission, Global Trade

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Efficient and inclusive National Trade Facilitation Committees can improve cross-border trade.

Supporting facts:

• In some countries, National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs) are more effective due to comprehensive organizational structure and active participation from private sector.

• Some NTFCs adopt a practical approach by troubleshooting issues at the borders one by one.

• Private sector companies can participate in NTFCs either individually or through an association.

Topics: National Trade Facilitation Committees, Cross-border trade, Public and Private sector partnership

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Joint training programs like GoTrade strengthen public and private sector collaboration and can provide expertise for trade.

Supporting facts:

• GoTrade program is an example where expertise of private sector is combined with public sector.

Topics: GoTrade program, Training programs, Public and private sector collaboration

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Tools empowering first-time shippers can boost trade.

Supporting facts:

• MyGTS tool is an example, but more such tools can be developed.

Topics: First-time shippers, Trade boost, MyGTS tool

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Mutually beneficial incentives can facilitate and reward compliant SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises).

Supporting facts:

• SMEs that are working compliantly and maintain a good error-free trading record could be rewarded with faster clearance times or facilitation in getting an AO accreditation.

Topics: SMEs, Incentives, Compliance

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Report

The analysis highlights key points from various sources related to DHL and trade facilitation. DHL is a global company that operates in over 220 countries and territories, serving over 3 million customers. Many of DHL’s customers are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), highlighting the company’s focus on supporting these businesses.

Digitisation is identified as a crucial factor for efficient cross-border trade. DHL recognises this and offers paperless trade services, allowing customers to submit all trade-related documents in electronic form. This not only reduces the reliance on physical paperwork but also enables the movement of huge volumes of goods across borders in a time-definite manner.

The correct implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) provisions is emphasised as essential for businesses to operate effectively. DHL, being an AEO accredited company in many countries, ensures compliance with all legal requirements related to trade facilitation. DHL’s commitment to supporting SMEs is evident through initiatives such as the GO-TREAT program.

This program aims to assist SMEs and trade facilitation in developing and least-developed countries by providing training to approximately 5000 SMEs over the past three years. Additionally, DHL offers tools like MyGlobalTradeServices, which help SMEs identify the cost of trading and customs requirements, empowering them to navigate the international trade landscape.

Submitting accurate data is highlighted as crucial for smooth global trade, and DHL has established a data flow system where shippers provide data that is then input into a customs declaration form and submitted to customs authorities. Efficient National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs) are identified as key in improving cross-border trade.

In some countries, NTFCs with comprehensive organisational structures and active private sector participation are more effective. Troubleshooting issues at the borders one by one is a practical approach adopted by some NTFCs. Private sector companies can participate in NTFCs either individually or through associations, further fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Collaboration between the public and private sectors is emphasised as necessary to increase trade efficiency. The joint efforts of these sectors can create solutions addressing border issues and lead to the development of programmes like GoTrade and tools like MyGlobalTradeServices.

These collaborative initiatives strengthen expertise, provide training opportunities and offer a range of solutions aimed at streamlining trade processes. Notably, the analysis also highlights the potential for mutually beneficial incentives to facilitate and reward compliant SMEs. SMEs that maintain good trading records and comply with regulations could be eligible for faster clearance times or facilitation in obtaining an AEO accreditation.

In conclusion, the analysis underscores the importance of digitisation, the correct implementation of TFA provisions, support for SMEs, accurate data submission, efficient NTFCs, joint training programmes, tools empowering first-time shippers, and collaboration between the public and private sectors in enhancing trade facilitation.

These factors contribute to smoother cross-border trade operations, increased efficiency and improved global trade relations.

Arguments

Digitization of cross-border trade to enhance transparency and predictability is the main theme of the session.

Supporting facts:

• The session was organized by UNCTAD

• The session aims to explore digital solutions for improving efficiency in cross-border processes

Topics: Trade facilitation, Border manageament, Digitization, Transparency, Predictability

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The forum brings together practitioners experienced in trade facilitation.

Supporting facts:

• Panel of experts on trade facilitation are present

Topics: Trade facilitation, Practitioners

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Standards don’t trade goods, people do, primarily the private sector and facilitators

Supporting facts:

• Standards do guide and ensure conformity, but it’s the people and the private sector businesses moving goods across borders.

Topics: International Standards, Trade, Private sector

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The voice and perspectives of the private sector are important because they are moving goods across the borders

Supporting facts:

• Expressed the need for considering the views of the private sector in matters of trade and conformity to international standards.

Topics: Private sector, Trade

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Importance of complying with international standards, laws, and regulations in moving goods across borders

Supporting facts:

• While the private sector moves goods, they still have to conform to international standards and trade facilitation agreement laws and regulations.

Topics: Trade, International Standards, Regulations

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Public-private partnership is essential for effective trade facilitation

Supporting facts:

• The Trade Facilitation Agreement promotes the inclusivity of both the public and private sector

• DHL Express has shown that public-private collaboration can indeed facilitate trade, especially for SMEs

Topics: Trade Facilitation Agreement, Public-Private Partnership, Private sector engagement

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Challenges of digitalization for least-developed countries in the face of global crises

Topics: Digitalization, Least-developed countries, Global crisis

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There has always been a balance of job increase to offset job decrease in the wake of technological changes.

Supporting facts:

• Historically, whenever a technological change has occurred, it has always been offset by an increase in jobs

• Despite automation, AI, blockchain and digitalization, there’s a need for a considered response, which implies the creation of new jobs

Topics: Automation, Digitalization, AI, Blockchain

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Importance of standardization

Supporting facts:

• Container had a bigger impact on global trade globalization than trade liberalization

• Private sector initiative only works once you have global standards in place

Topics: Global trade, Private sector initiative

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Digitization is not simply uploading a PDF and it should be used in a multi-faceted way.

Supporting facts:

• Digitisation was initially just uploading a PDF.

• Digitisation must be able to convert things to data elements.

Topics: Digitization, Automation

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The National Trade Facilitation Committee should be prioritized and improved continuously

Supporting facts:

• The committee is discussed at the WTO in Geneva

• It’s considered important in improving and looking at best practices

Topics: National Trade Facilitation Committee, WTO, Trade Information Sharing

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William Gain shows interest in the data provided by Carlos and emphasizes the need for more detailed study.

Supporting facts:

• Carlos presented data indicating a mixed picture in cross-border trade facilitation.

• William considered it necessary to wait for the 2023 stats for clearer insight on the situation.

Topics: Cross-Border Trade, International Shipping, Trade Barriers

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Report

The session, organized by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), focused on exploring digital solutions to improve efficiency in cross-border trade. The main theme of the session was the digitisation of cross-border trade to enhance transparency and predictability.

The objective was to discuss how technology can streamline cross-border processes and provide greater visibility into trade operations, while also acknowledging the challenges faced by least-developed countries in adopting digital solutions. A key highlight of the session was the emphasis on the importance of public-private partnerships in facilitating trade.

Successful partnerships that have facilitated trade, particularly for SMEs, were showcased as examples. The session also highlighted the need for increased transparency and predictability in trade for all traders, with a particular focus on women-owned firms who often have limited access to trading information and opportunities.

Inclusivity and equal opportunities for underrepresented groups in National Trade Facilitation Committees were emphasized. The potential benefits of digitisation in enhancing trade efficiency and promoting economic growth were discussed, as well as the need for careful implementation to avoid strengthening regulatory burdens.

Compliance with international standards, laws, and regulations in facilitating cross-border trade was underlined as essential. Overall, the session provided insights into the potential of digital solutions, the importance of public-private partnerships, and the need for increased transparency and predictability in cross-border trade.

Challenges and opportunities associated with digitization were addressed, along with the importance of inclusivity, compliance with international standards, and continuous improvement in trade facilitation practices.

Arguments

India’s digitalization and public health have been driven by software volunteers followed by state policy

Supporting facts:

• The digital ID system and digital public health ID were first developed by software volunteers

• The state later took up these initiatives and created systems like the Unified Payments Interface system

Topics: digitalization, public health, India

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Technological innovations have outpaced the capacity of the state to regulate their applications

Supporting facts:

• The emergence of new technologies in public health has created disjointed implementation

• Data ecosystems tend to develop faster than states can formulate policies or laws

Topics: technology regulation, state capacity

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Digitalization has transformed the entire architecture of data governance in the health sector

Supporting facts:

• Datafication has led to centralization of what were traditionally decentralized structures within the federal system

• There’s unregulated data transfers, data sharing and third party use of data in the health sector

Topics: digitalization, data governance, health sector

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There is a weak bargaining power of developing countries in the context of e-trade

Supporting facts:

• Developing countries are at risk of misuse of health data

• Bilateral trade agreements can facilitate MNCs’ access to sensitive public data

Topics: e-trade, developing countries, bargaining power

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The handling of health data requires a balance of rights and understanding of the role of the state.

Supporting facts:

• The right to enjoy health and the right to freedom from harm must be balanced.

• Individual and collective rights need balance.

• The role of the state involves harm prevention, allocation, distribution, and redistribution.

• Preconception and Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques Act in India is an example of state collecting data for public interest.

Topics: health, data, state role

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Report

In the discussion on India’s digitalisation and public health, several key points were raised. Firstly, it was highlighted that software volunteers played a significant role in the development of digital ID systems and digital public health IDs. These initiatives were later taken up by the state and implemented on a larger scale.

This showcases the collaborative efforts between citizens and the government in driving digitalisation and improving public health. On the other hand, the rapid emergence of new technologies in the public health sector has created challenges in terms of implementation and regulation.

It was argued that the state’s capacity to regulate the applications of these technologies lags behind their development. This disjointed implementation can potentially hinder the effective integration of technology into the healthcare system. Moreover, the digitisation of the health sector has brought about a fundamental transformation in data governance.

What was traditionally a decentralised structure within the federal system has now been centralised through datafication. This has raised concerns about unregulated data transfers, data sharing, and third-party usage in the health sector. It was emphasised that digitalisation has fundamentally reshaped the entire architecture of data governance, and there is a need for robust regulations to safeguard individual privacy and ensure ethical data usage.

Another important aspect discussed was the weak bargaining power of developing countries in the context of e-trade. It was highlighted that developing countries are at risk of the misuse of health data, particularly when bilateral trade agreements facilitate multinational corporations’ access to sensitive public data.

This power imbalance raises concerns about the protection of sensitive information and the potential exploitation of developing countries’ resources. Addressing these challenges, the need for a rights-based national policy was stressed. This policy would ensure the protection of the right to health throughout the data lifecycle.

It was argued that the current context of data ownership and usage lacks necessary guardrails against free-riding and thus, a rights-based approach would prioritise public health innovation over private data usage. Furthermore, the handling of health data was seen as requiring a delicate balance between individual and collective rights.

The role of the state in harm prevention, allocation, distribution, and redistribution was emphasised. An example cited was the Preconception and Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques Act in India, where the state collects data for public interest. It was concluded that a comprehensive understanding of the role of the state, along with a balanced approach to rights, is essential in the handling of health data.

In conclusion, the discussion shed light on the opportunities and challenges arising from India’s digitalisation and its impact on public health. While software volunteers have played a crucial role in driving digital initiatives, there is a need to bridge the gap between technological advancements and effective regulation.

Data governance in the health sector needs to be carefully addressed to protect individual privacy and ensure ethical data usage. Developing countries should also address the weak bargaining power in e-trade to prevent the misuse of health data. Ultimately, a rights-based national policy articulation is necessary to safeguard public health throughout the data lifecycle and strike a balance between individual and collective rights.

Arguments

The economic model of a sector greatly influences approach to data governance

Supporting facts:

• Rory McMillan’s work in drafting data governance legislations and his observation on how different countries approach the economic model of healthcare sector either by state role or private sector companies

Topics: data governance, economic models, public service, private sector

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Pooling of data is essential to reap the public good and may overrule individual consent in some cases

Supporting facts:

• The viewpoint that the public need to analyze data is so strong that if health service is provided, it comes with the understanding that individual data will be used, but anonymised or de-identified

Topics: public good, data pooling, consent

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Economic model impacts competition concerns

Supporting facts:

• Mentions of numerous competition concerns from different speakers in the discussion

• McMillan’s active work in the competition field and recognition of these issues

Topics: competition, economic models

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There is a need for more comprehensive privacy protections, especially in the health sector

Supporting facts:

• There is currently no comprehensive privacy protection in the US

• Patients are often unaware of the extent of data they share when they sign ‘consign forms’

Topics: privacy protection, health data sharing, consent forms

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Patients who share their data for drug development do not receive any benefits

Supporting facts:

• Data shared by patients contributes to the development of personalized medicines

• There is little discussion on this issue of access and benefit sharing

Topics: access and benefit sharing, price of medicines, drug development, personalized medicines

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Concerns about data interoperability between the public and private sector

Supporting facts:

• The Audience, Theo Phil is a PhD candidate working on a similar project in West Africa

Topics: data management, public sector, private sector

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Worry about the private sector’s willingness to share data due to fear of control by the public sector

Supporting facts:

• Theo read an article about a Western European country where the private sector was apprehensive about sharing data due to feelings of being controlled.

Topics: data sharing, public control

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Report

The discussion centred on the impact of different economic models on data governance in the healthcare sector. The approach to data governance differs significantly between countries with state-controlled healthcare, such as Canada and the UK, and those with privately dominated healthcare, like Switzerland and the US.

This highlights the direct influence that the economic model of a sector has on its approach to managing data. The discussion emphasized the importance of data pooling for the greater public good. It was acknowledged that in some cases, the need to analyze data for the benefit of the public may outweigh individual consent.

The belief that when healthcare services are provided, it is understood that individual data will be used, although anonymised or de-identified, further supports the concept of pooling data for the common good. Management of data bureaucracy was found to differ between state-controlled sectors and privately dominated sectors.

It was noted that if the state controls the sector, issues of data ownership and the legitimacy of pooling data are resolved, as the state is seen as representing the public interest. In contrast, in privately dominated sectors, the regulation of companies becomes a crucial factor in managing data bureaucracy.

Competition concerns within the healthcare sector were also raised during the discussion. Several speakers expressed concerns about competition in the sector and called for better regulations to address these issues. The active work of Rory McMillan in the competition field was recognized, reinforcing the importance of this matter.

Privacy protection in the healthcare sector, particularly in the US, was found to be inadequate. Patients often remain unaware of the extent of data they share when signing consent forms. This observation highlights the need for more comprehensive privacy protections, especially in the health sector, to ensure that patients’ privacy rights are respected.

Another issue that received attention was the lack of benefits received by patients who share their data for drug development. It was recognized that data shared by patients contributes significantly to the development of personalized medicines, yet there is little discussion about access and benefit sharing.

This raises ethical concerns about patients not receiving any benefits from the use of their data for drug development. The discussion also emphasized the need for more in-depth deliberation on health data sharing and its implications. It was noted that pharmaceutical innovation increasingly relies on health data sharing, but many privacy and data protection issues remain unaddressed.

This underscores the importance of thoroughly examining the implications and issues related to health data sharing to ensure that proper safeguards are in place. Concerns about data interoperability between the public and private sectors were also raised during the discussion.

It was observed that data management between these two sectors is a concern, and there is a need to address issues related to data sharing and control. One noteworthy observation was the apprehension from the private sector about sharing data due to fears of control by the public sector.

This highlights the need to build trust and establish clear guidelines that allay concerns and encourage data sharing for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders. In conclusion, the discussion shed light on various aspects related to data governance in the healthcare sector.

The influence of different economic models, competition concerns, privacy protections, access and benefit sharing, and data interoperability between the public and private sectors were all identified as important areas of focus. The need for comprehensive and robust frameworks to address these challenges and ensure the proper handling and sharing of health data was emphasised throughout the discussion.

Arguments

Digital health technologies are public goods that must be used in the public interest.

Supporting facts:

• Brazilian general context includes data breaches, creation new government secretariat related to digital health, competition framework in health sector, impact of internet access on digital health, and the potential of AI in health sector.

• Digitalization of health in Brazil captured by private interests.

Topics: Digital Health, Public Interest, Health Data, Health Services

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Guarantee basic rights such as information, transparency, and security.

Supporting facts:

• Individuals’ privacy and personal data protection are at risk with digital health services.

• Concerns related to how pharmaceuticals treat data and concerns in the health sector.

Topics: Digital Health, Data Privacy, Data Security

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Need for global and local discussions on AI

Supporting facts:

• The discussion on AI should consider local context

• International discussions required for uniformity in protection and solutions

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance, Fundamental Health Right

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Emphasis on the centrality of people’s rights in data

Supporting facts:

• People should be in the center of data ownership

• Discussions on data governance should not forget the fundamental right to health

Topics: Data Governance, Fundamental Health Right, People’s Rights

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Report

The analysis explores various perspectives on the use of digital health technologies in the public interest. The first speaker argues that digital health technologies should be considered public goods, benefiting society as a whole. They discuss the Brazilian context, including data breaches, the establishment of a new government secretariat for digital health, competition within the health sector, the impact of internet access on digital health, and the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the sector.

The speaker suggests that the digitalization of health in Brazil has been primarily driven by private interests. The second speaker presents a contrasting view, cautioning against the private sector’s exploitation of personal data in digital health. They describe a scenario where big tech companies increasingly operate in the health sector, citing the Google-Fitbit merger as an example and raising concerns about the sharing of health data with Google.

They also address issues of data sovereignty, particularly regarding health data stored in foreign clouds, as well as concerns related to discrimination, exclusion, and data protection in the pharmacy sector. The third speaker emphasizes the importance of guaranteeing basic rights such as information, transparency, and security in digital health services.

They highlight potential risks to individuals’ privacy and personal data with the increased use of such services. The speaker also raises concerns about how pharmaceutical companies handle data and broader issues within the health sector. The fourth and fifth speakers both highlight the need for global and local discussions on AI.

The fourth speaker argues that AI discussions must consider the local context, while the fifth speaker emphasizes the centrality of people’s rights in data governance and underscores the fundamental right to health. Both speakers stress the importance of international discussions to achieve consistency in protection and solutions related to AI.

The sixth speaker advocates for utilizing platforms like UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) for international discussions on AI-related issues. They propose using UNCTAD to harmonize policies and promote effective international cooperation in addressing AI challenges. Overall, the analysis presents diverse perspectives on the use of digital health technologies in the public interest.

It underscores the complexities, challenges, and opportunities associated with these technologies, and emphasizes the role of various stakeholders, privacy, data protection, and the importance of global collaboration in addressing the issues at hand.

Arguments

Issues with consent and data protection in the pharmaceutical sector

Supporting facts:

• Use of personal data for algorithmic pricing and personalised advertisements, especially with the aid of third-party loyalty programs in the pharmaceutical sector

• Customers usually are not informed of what is being done with their data

• The legal basis of processing is often consent, which is problematic due to the imbalance of power and information, and the manipulation of such consent

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Data Protection, Healthcare, Pharmaceutical Sector

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Public and private sectors must work together for innovation

Supporting facts:

• The state has innovated along with Tesla, the aerospace industry, and health industry

• The state fulfills its goals by encompassing private actors

Topics: Public sector, Private sector, Innovation, Partnerships

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Report

During the discussion, various important topics related to data protection in the pharmaceutical sector were explored. One significant issue that was raised is the use of personal data for algorithmic pricing and personalized advertisements. This practice is particularly prevalent in the pharmaceutical sector, often facilitated by third-party loyalty programs.

It was highlighted that customers are generally not informed about how their personal data is used in these processes, which raises concerns about transparency and consent. The legal basis for processing personal data in the pharmaceutical sector was also identified as problematic.

Consent is often relied upon as the legal basis for processing, but the imbalance of power and information between consumers and pharmaceutical companies makes obtaining truly informed and voluntary consent challenging. Furthermore, there are concerns about the manipulation of consent, where individuals may unknowingly agree to the use of their personal data without fully understanding the implications.

The need for the enforcement of fair and transparent data practices in the pharmaceutical sector was emphasized. As an example of such enforcement, Brazil’s Data Protection Authority initiated an investigation in 2021 to examine the practices in this sector. It was highlighted that there is a lack of transparency and maturity in data protection compliance within pharmacies and the pharmaceutical industry as a whole.

This underscores the importance of implementing robust mechanisms to ensure that personal data is handled in a manner that respects individual privacy rights and is in compliance with data protection regulations. Apart from data protection, the speakers also emphasized the significance of collaboration between the public and private sectors for innovation.

It was noted that the state has successfully engaged with private actors in industries such as Tesla, aerospace, and healthcare to drive innovation. This highlights the value of partnerships between different sectors, leveraging the strengths and expertise of each party for mutual benefit and technological progress.

Furthermore, the speakers stressed the importance of respecting fundamental rights during the pursuit of medical advancement. Historical examples were given to illustrate the necessity of ethical standards in medical procedures. Instances of unethical practices, such as injecting patients with diseases without their knowledge, were highlighted as breaches of fundamental rights.

It was argued that respecting these rights is crucial in ensuring the safety and protection of individuals during medical advancements, acting as guardrails to prevent unethical behavior. In conclusion, the discussion revolved around the importance of data protection in the pharmaceutical sector and the need for fair and transparent data practices.

Concerns were raised regarding issues with consent and the use of personal data for algorithmic pricing and personalized advertisements. Furthermore, the significance of public and private sector collaboration for innovation was emphasized, along with the need to respect fundamental rights during the pursuit of medical advancement.

The insights gained from this analysis shed light on the challenges and opportunities in these areas and the importance of addressing them to ensure a responsible and ethical approach towards data and medical advancements.

Arguments

Technological innovation is leading to a transformation in health systems, specifically through the ability to scale up data collection, the creation of large health data platforms, and the use of this data for AI innovation.

Supporting facts:

• Examples of countries creating large health data platforms include Brazil (RDS), Cuba (Infomed), the UK (contract with Palantir), Canada (Health InfoA) and the European Union (Health Data Spaces).

• AI can enhance diagnosis, optimize resource and time allocation, and predict and promote health.

Topics: Technological Innovation, Data Collection, Health Systems, AI Innovation

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There are significant human rights concerns associated with AI and digital health, such as personal data protection and privacy, algorithm bias against vulnerable people, and contextual bias of AI algorithms trained in high resource settings.

Supporting facts:

• Current legal frameworks for issues such as medical mistakes and personal data protection may not be adequate for addressing concerns arising from AI use in health systems.

• AI can reproduce societal biases present in health data sets, leading to possibly biased health care decisions.

Topics: AI in Health, Human Rights, Privacy, Algorithm Bias

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Current legal frameworks need to be transformed and adapted to address governance issues related to AI in health.

Supporting facts:

• Legal frameworks addressing safety, efficacy, and quality of AI in clinical settings need to adapt to the continuous learning and changing nature of AI.

• Some countries are discussing creating public bodies to control data bias.

Topics: AI Governance, Legal Frameworks, AI in Health

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Economic fairness concerns should be considered, including data ownership, impacts on the workforce, and market monopolies due to data concentration.

Supporting facts:

• Health data being used to train algorithms can lead to ownership and geopolitical debates.

• Concentration of health data can lead to concentration of economic power, potentially exacerbating market inequalities.

Topics: Economic Fairness, Data Ownership, Workforce Impacts

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No clear economic model for data innovation in healthcare

Supporting facts:

• The economic dimension of data relates to innovation in sectors like the pharmaceutical sector.

• Regulatory capacities to monitor data usage after innovation are necessary, especially in the global south.

Topics: Data Innovation, Healthcare, Economics

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Importance of looking beyond personal data protection

Supporting facts:

• Data protection needs to include monitoring and regulation of how data is used for innovation.

• Emphasizes the role of states in regulation and in building public infrastructure for data handling.

• The World Health Organization highlights the need for developing regulatory capacities.

Topics: Data Protection, Regulation, Innovation

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Advocates for a collective approach to health data

Supporting facts:

• Uses the example of Brazil’s data processing center, CIDACS, which has strict guidelines for use of data for innovation.

• Discusses the need for ensuring that innovations with health data benefit the users and the public system.

Topics: Health Data, Collective Approach, Public System

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Report

Technological innovation has led to a significant transformation in health systems, particularly through advancements in data collection and the creation of large health data platforms. These innovations have enabled the scaling up of data collection efforts, allowing the healthcare industry to gather comprehensive and diverse datasets.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool in healthcare, enhancing diagnosis, optimizing resource allocation, and predicting health outcomes. These advancements hold promise for improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. However, the use of AI in health systems raises significant human rights concerns, including personal data protection, privacy, algorithm bias, and contextual bias.

Current legal frameworks may not be equipped to address these challenges. Transforming and adapting legal frameworks to address governance issues related to AI in health is crucial, including safety, efficacy, and quality of AI in clinical settings. Some countries are exploring the creation of public bodies to oversee data bias.

Economic fairness concerns, such as data ownership, workforce impacts, and concentration of economic power resulting from data concentration, need to be considered. Regulatory capacities to monitor data usage after innovation, especially in the global south, are necessary. Beyond personal data protection, the broader implications of data usage in healthcare innovation should be considered.

The role of states in regulation, building public infrastructure, and developing regulatory capacities is emphasized. Collective approaches to health data are advocated to ensure innovation benefits both users and the public system. It is essential to address human rights, governance, and economic fairness concerns to harness the full potential of technological innovation in improving health outcomes.

Collaboration between states and the private sector is key to creating a market framework that promotes innovation while protecting societal interests.

Arguments

Digital health technology is applicable to all contexts and has potential to improve efficacy of health systems globally

Topics: Digital Health, Health Systems, Technology

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There is a large population in the world that do not have access to the internet or high-speed broadband

Supporting facts:

• 2.7 billion people in the world do not have access to the internet

• 53% of this population don’t have access to high-speed broadband

Topics: Digital Disparity, Internet Accessibility

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Considerations for adoption of digital health technology include supporting equitable access, enhancing efficacy of health systems, respecting privacy and security

Topics: Digital Health Adoption, Equitable Access, Health System Efficacy, Privacy, Security

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Report

Digital health technology has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of health systems worldwide. This technology can be applied in various contexts and has the ability to enhance different aspects of healthcare delivery. However, it is important to address the issue of digital disparity, as a substantial portion of the global population lacks access to the internet or high-speed broadband.

Statistics indicate that approximately 2.7 billion people worldwide do not have internet access, and 53% of this population lack high-speed broadband. This creates a significant barrier to accessing digital health services and exacerbates existing inequalities in healthcare. Without adequate access to digital technologies, individuals are unable to fully benefit from the advancements in digital health.

The adoption of digital health technology should consider the principle of equitable access. This means ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their geographical location or socioeconomic status, have equal opportunities to access and benefit from digital health services. By prioritising equitable access, we can work towards reducing inequalities in healthcare and improving health outcomes for all.

Moreover, adopting digital health technology can enhance the efficacy of health systems. Digital technologies enable faster and more accurate data collection and analysis, facilitating improved clinical decision-making and treatment delivery. Additionally, digital health solutions can streamline administrative processes and reduce paperwork, enabling healthcare providers to allocate more time and resources to direct patient care.

However, while reaping the benefits of digital health technology, it is crucial to address privacy and security concerns. As more patient data is collected and transmitted through digital platforms, measures must be in place to safeguard this sensitive information. Strict privacy and security protocols should be implemented to protect patient confidentiality and prevent unauthorized access to personal health information.

In conclusion, digital health technology holds immense potential for improving health systems globally. However, it is essential to address the issue of digital disparity to ensure equitable access for all. Additionally, considerations for adoption should include enhancing the efficacy of health systems and addressing privacy and security concerns.

To maximize the effectiveness of digital health technology in improving healthcare outcomes, it is necessary to adopt it while considering the unique context and situations of different countries.

Arguments

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the digital economy, contributing to exponential growth in technology, IT, economy, trade, and general communication.

Supporting facts:

• Dominican Republic increased greatly in 2020 in respect to e-commerce, around 80% compared to 2019.

• Digitalization of customer interaction, supply management and internal operations jumped by about four years due to the pandemic.

Topics: COVID-19 pandemic, digital economy, growth

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Dominican Republic’s digital agenda for 2020-2030 aims to boost digital integration and collaboration in the Caribbean region.

Supporting facts:

• The agenda coincides with the sustainable development goals of the UN for the year 2030.

• The national objective 7.4 of the digital agenda states that the Dominican republic will be an important actor in the region regarding technology.

Topics: Dominican Republic, digital agenda

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The national strategy for the export of modern services aims to take advantages of post-pandemic environment.

Supporting facts:

• The strategy has five main pillars: capacity building, norms and institutional pillar, investment and financing pillar, ecosystem pillar, and the promotion of markets pillar.

• 50% of the implementation level has been achieved across these pillars.

Topics: national strategy, modern services, post-pandemic environment

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The National artificial intelligence strategy aims to make the Dominican Republic a hub for human talent and innovation in AI.

Supporting facts:

• The strategy has four pillars: a smart government, regional scale, hub for human talent and innovation, and data hub.

• One of the proposal is for a regional agreement in the Americas to establish an AI framework.

Topics: national artificial intelligence strategy, AI, innovation

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Report

The Dominican Republic has experienced a significant surge in e-commerce, with a growth rate of 80% in 2020 compared to the previous year. This growth can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has accelerated the digital economy, leading to advancements in technology, IT, economy, trade, and communication.

In line with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals for 2030, the Dominican Republic has introduced a digital agenda for 2020-2030. The objective of this agenda is to enhance digital integration and collaboration in the Caribbean region, positioning the country as a key player in the technology sector.

Additionally, the Dominican Republic’s national strategy for the export of modern services aims to take advantage of the post-pandemic environment. The strategy focuses on capacity building, norms and institutional development, investment and financing, ecosystem development, and the promotion of markets.

The country has achieved 50% implementation across these pillars. Furthermore, the Dominican Republic has developed a national artificial intelligence (AI) strategy with the goal of becoming a hub for human talent and innovation in AI. The strategy includes establishing a smart government, regional scalability, and a data hub.

The country also proposes a regional agreement in the Americas to establish an AI framework. Overall, the Dominican Republic is witnessing growth in e-commerce and digitalization, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through its digital agenda, national strategy for modern services, and AI strategy, the country aims to capitalize on the post-pandemic environment and establish itself as a prominent player in the digital economy, regional collaboration, and AI innovation.

These initiatives demonstrate the country’s commitment to technology as a catalyst for economic growth and sustainable development.

Arguments

Georgina Németh tries to turn on the video, but it’s not functioning.

Supporting facts:

• Georgina is using a laptop, sees the interactive tab, but the video still doesn’t work

• She also tried using the other mouse

Topics: Technology, Conference

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Digital economy plays a crucial role in socio-economic development

Supporting facts:

• Current world characterized by an enormous gap in digitalization between under-connected countries and hyper-digitalized countries

• Africa and Latin America represent less than 5% of the world’s blockade data centers

• The digital economy reinforcing the differences in socio-economic development between countries and regions

Topics: Digital Economy, Socio-economic development, Technological disparity

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Access to technologies and forms of payment is often restricted by neoliberal hegemonic policies

Supporting facts:

• Application of unilateral coercive measures in the region such as the United States blockade imposed on Cuba

• Latin American and Caribbean region continues to lag behind in new technologies due to neoliberal hegemony

Topics: Neoliberalism, Access to technologies, Payment Restrictions

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Need for policy implementations to boost digital economy in Latin America and the Carribean

Supporting facts:

• Implementation of more fair and equitable access policies for countries of the region

• Digital economy could represent opportunities for the countries of that region in their struggle to achieve sustainable development goals

Topics: Digital Economy, Latin America, Carribean, Policy implementation

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Report

The analysis covers several key points discussed by various speakers. Firstly, Georgina Németh experienced technical difficulties with a video during a conference. She attempted to turn on the video but found that it was not functioning. Despite her efforts, including trying an alternative mouse, the video remained unresponsive.

This highlights the need for reliable and well-functioning technological infrastructure at conferences to ensure smooth and uninterrupted presentations. Moving on, it is highlighted that the digital economy plays a crucial role in socio-economic development. However, it also exacerbates income inequalities.

Currently, there is a significant gap in digitalisation between under-connected countries and hyper-digitalised countries. For example, Africa and Latin America only represent less than 5% of the world’s blockade data centres. The digital economy reinforces socio-economic disparities between countries and regions.

This underscores the importance of bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to technology and digital resources for all. Additionally, it is mentioned that the global digital economy is primarily dominated by the United States and China. These two countries hold significant influence, with 55% of all patents related to blockchain technologies, 50% of global spending on the Internet of Things, and the majority share in the cloud computing market.

This concentration of power raises concerns about fairness and the potential for further widening income inequalities on a global scale. Furthermore, access to technologies and forms of payment is often restricted by neoliberal policies. The application of unilateral coercive measures, such as the United States blockade imposed on Cuba, hampers the ability of countries to adopt and integrate new technologies.

The Latin American and Caribbean region continues to lag behind due to the influence of neoliberal hegemony. This limitation underscores the need for more inclusive policies that ensure fair and equitable access to technologies and payment options across all regions.

The analysis also highlights the hindrance faced by Cuba in achieving technological sovereignty as a result of US policies. The US blockade acts as a major obstacle to Cuba’s economic and social development. Cuba is prevented from purchasing technology that contains more than 10% of United States technique.

This limitation severely affects Cuba’s ability to access and acquire cutting-edge technologies, hindering its progress towards technological independence. Finally, it is suggested that policy implementations are necessary to boost the digital economy in Latin America and the Caribbean. By implementing fair and equitable access policies for countries in the region, the digital economy can present opportunities for sustainable development.

These policies will help bridge the digital divide and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. In conclusion, the analysis highlights the importance of reliable technological infrastructure at conferences, the role of the digital economy in socio-economic development, the concentration of digital power in the hands of a few nations, the impact of neoliberal policies on access to technology, the hindrance of technological sovereignty in Cuba, and the need for policy implementations to boost the digital economy in Latin America and the Caribbean.

By addressing these issues, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable digital landscape.

Arguments

Digitalization is the most important trend in international trade but the Caribbean is still far from the world average.

Supporting facts:

• The Caribbean is behind in terms of global digitalization

• Services represent the main economic activity in the Caribbean

Topics: Digitalization, International Trade, Caribbean Economy

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The Caribbean states need greater technological and digital integration to promote trade and provide new jobs.

Supporting facts:

• Small island economies require greater integration

• Digital integration can streamline procedures, shorten times, and allow greater trade volumes

Topics: Digital Integration, Caribbean Economy, Employment

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Report

The Caribbean region is falling behind in terms of global digitalisation, which is widely recognised as the most important trend in international trade. The main economic activity in the Caribbean is services, highlighting the significance of digital integration and technological advancement in this sector.

However, the current state of digitalisation in the Caribbean is far from the global average. This negative sentiment is underscored by the fact that the region is facing challenges in keeping up with the pace of technological advancements. On a positive note, it is argued that the Caribbean states can foster trade and create new job opportunities by embracing greater technological and digital integration.

The integration of digital technologies can streamline procedures, shorten transaction times, and facilitate greater trade volumes, especially in small island economies. Through increased digital integration, the Caribbean can position itself better to benefit from the global trade opportunities that arise from digitalisation.

Moreover, implementing digital integration is seen as a solution to the challenges imposed by global crises and fiscal constraints. Caribbean countries, often burdened by high external debt, face difficulties in accessing financial resources on concessional terms due to their middle-income status.

By prioritising digital integration, the region can leverage technology to overcome such challenges and find innovative solutions to advance their economies. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has recognised the importance of digital transformation and has taken steps towards enhancing the region’s digital capabilities.

In 2014, the Digital Development Strategy was approved, and recently, in September 2021, CARICOM launched the Digital Skills Task Force. These initiatives underpin the commitment to driving digital transformation in the Caribbean and fostering economic growth and employment opportunities. In conclusion, it is evident that the Caribbean lags behind in global digitalisation, which is crucial for international trade.

However, there is a positive sentiment towards embracing greater technological and digital integration to promote trade and create new jobs. The implementation of digital integration is seen as a viable solution to overcome challenges imposed by global crises and fiscal constraints.

The CARICOM’s digital transformation plan is viewed as a significant step towards enhancing the region’s digital capabilities. By embracing digitalisation, the Caribbean has the potential to unlock economic growth and improve its overall competitiveness in the global market.

Report

During a video call, the speaker encountered difficulties with the interactive tab and sought assistance in locating the video button. They suggested that each participant individually activate their video on their respective devices. After resolving the technical issue, the speaker proceeded with testing the connection and confirmed the presence of five participants.

However, they faced further technical problems while attempting to run a PowerPoint presentation. Nevertheless, the speaker kindly offered to take control and successfully ran the presentation in full screen, ensuring automatic audio playback. The call ended with gratitude expressed towards the speaker for their help, and an acknowledgement of understanding.

Arguments

Digital platform ecosystems are complex adaptive systems like natural ecosystems.

Supporting facts:

• The ‘eco-antitrust’ approach sees competition authorities as overseeing the system as a whole, understanding their evolution. The acquisition cases of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard by the CMA and Booking.com’s acquisition of eTravellery by the European Commission serve as examples.

• The application of this thinking to competition law and policy could aid in effective, systematic regulation.

Topics: Competition Law, Antitrust, Ecosystem Theory, Digital Platforms

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Antitrust authorities should consider the cyclical nature of developments in digital marketplace ecosystems in their regulation.

Supporting facts:

• The cyclical paradigm reflects the stages of birth, growth, and externalization in the development of digital ecosystems as exemplified in the Android case.

• Regulation that is in line with the cyclical, constantly evolving and adaptive nature of these ecosystems could potentially yield better outcomes.

Topics: Competitive Law, Ecosystem Theory, Cyclical Nature

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There is a trend towards fragmentation in the regulation of the global digital economy.

Supporting facts:

• Different jurisdictions often have different perspectives on the same digital phenomenon, leading to fragmentation in regulation.

• The lack of a cohesive and comprehensive view on how to regulate the digital economy at a global level exacerbates this fragmentation.

Topics: Regulation, Global Economy, Digital Platforms

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Alexey Ivanov suggests that smaller and developing countries should apply a shared methodology for understanding digital markets and competition laws, developed through collaboration, with support from organizations such as UNCTAD.

Supporting facts:

• Many small countries have stopped applying competition laws

• Global companies provide local representatives with tools, understanding, and vision to operate

• Similar global trends are emerging in the use of the internet on mobile devices and in the way people consume digital products

Topics: Competition laws, Digital markets, UNCTAD’s role, Developing Countries, Shared methodology

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Report

The digital platform ecosystems are compared to natural ecosystems due to their complex adaptive nature. To effectively regulate these ecosystems, the ‘eco-antitrust’ approach is proposed, which involves competition authorities overseeing the system as a whole. This approach requires understanding the evolution of these ecosystems and integrating it into competition law and policy.

Examples of this approach can be seen in Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard by the CMA and Booking.com’s acquisition of eTravellery by the European Commission. However, it is argued that competition law needs to adapt to the realities of digitalisation and the complex nature of digital platform ecosystems.

Current competition law and policies often struggle to understand and integrate ecosystem-level assessments. The rise of digital ecosystems presents challenges for existing regulations. A forward-thinking and cyclical approach is needed, as evidenced by the unsuccessful attempt to revert the cycle of development in certain antitrust cases.

Antitrust authorities should consider the cyclical nature of developments in digital marketplace ecosystems in their regulation. The cyclical paradigm reflects the stages of birth, growth, and externalization in the development of these ecosystems. Regulation that aligns with the constantly evolving and adaptive nature of these ecosystems could potentially yield better outcomes.

The Android case serves as an example of the cyclical nature of digital ecosystem development. The regulation of the global digital economy is experiencing fragmentation as different jurisdictions have varied perspectives. This lack of a cohesive and comprehensive view on digital economy regulation exacerbates the fragmentation.

This trend towards fragmentation highlights the need for better coordination and harmonization of regulations in the global digital economy. Smaller and developing countries are encouraged to apply a shared methodology for understanding digital markets and competition laws. Collaboration between these countries and support from organizations such as UNCTAD can help in developing this methodology.

Many small countries have stopped applying competition laws, but with the support of global companies, local representatives can be equipped with the necessary tools to effectively operate in the digital marketplace. Similar global trends are also emerging in the use of the internet on mobile devices and the consumption of digital products.

UNCTAD plays a critical role in promoting the shared methodology and providing analytical tools to support competition authorities in smaller and developing nations. UNCTAD, being a UN-based platform promoting competition, is in a unique position to act as a center of excellence for smaller competition authorities.

By providing basic analytical tools and expertise, UNCTAD can assist these authorities in effectively regulating digital marketplaces and enforcing competition laws. In conclusion, the complexity of digital platform ecosystems necessitates a holistic and adaptive approach to regulation. The ‘eco-antitrust’ approach, as well as considering the cyclical nature of digital ecosystem development, can contribute to effective and systematic regulation.

In the global digital economy, the trend towards fragmentation in regulation highlights the need for better coordination and harmonization. Smaller and developing countries can benefit from a shared methodology, developed through collaboration and supported by organizations like UNCTAD, to enhance their understanding of digital markets and competition laws.

UNCTAD’s role in promoting this methodology and providing analytical tools is crucial in supporting competition authorities in these nations.

Arguments

Competition authorities of developing countries should intervene earlier.

Supporting facts:

• Agencies with fewer resources struggle to act effectively.

• Small, inexperienced, resource-constrained entities need access to knowledge and analysis.

• Every decision by a competition authority conveys relevant information.

Topics: Market Regulation, Developing Countries, Policy Advice

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Report

Competition authorities in developing countries face resource constraints, but it is argued that they should intervene earlier in order to effectively regulate markets. These authorities need to have a deep understanding of the market and its functions to provide impactful interventions.

Even though they may be smaller, less experienced, and resource-constrained, these entities should have access to knowledge and analysis to inform their actions. One key point supporting this argument is that agencies with fewer resources struggle to act effectively. By intervening earlier, competition authorities can potentially prevent or address anti-competitive practices more efficiently.

It is believed that small, inexperienced, and resource-constrained entities need access to knowledge and analysis, as this enables them to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions. Furthermore, every decision made by a competition authority conveys relevant information. By intervening earlier and taking decisive actions, these authorities send a strong message to market participants, discouraging anti-competitive behavior and promoting fair competition.

This not only benefits the market in question but also provides valuable lessons and insights to other industries. In addition, the importance of these interventions is highlighted by their alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

These interventions aim to foster a competitive and fair market environment that promotes economic growth and reduces inequalities among various economic players, contributing to the overall development of the country. In conclusion, despite the resource constraints faced by competition authorities in developing countries, it is argued that they should intervene earlier.

Through a deep understanding of the market, access to knowledge and analysis, and timely actions, these authorities can effectively regulate markets, combat anti-competitive practices, and promote fair competition. These interventions play a crucial role in achieving SDG 8 and SDG 10, fostering economic growth and reducing inequalities.

Arguments

The phases of development in business ecosystem originate from the traditional Chinese cosmology

Supporting facts:

• Each phase corresponds to an element in Chinese cosmology, e.g., growth corresponds to fire

Topics: Business ecosystem, Chinese cosmology, Evolutionary stages

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Carbon offset programs by big companies are often misleading and ineffective

Supporting facts:

• The Guardian reported 90% of these offset programs by big companies are worthless

Topics: Carbon offset, Environmental sustainability, Big companies

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Individual behavior change is essential for combating global warming

Topics: Individual behavior, Global warming

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Open Banking can potentially be used for calculating individual carbon footprints

Supporting facts:

• Open Banking was first developed in the UK in 2017

• Open Banking is about sharing individual customers consumption pattern data

Topics: Open Banking, Carbon footprint

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Report

The analysis covers a range of topics, including the business ecosystem, carbon offset programs, individual behavior change, open banking, and data privacy. One argument presented is that the phases of development within the business ecosystem are based on traditional Chinese cosmology.

Each phase corresponds to an element in Chinese cosmology, such as growth aligning with fire. This concept suggests a deeper connection between the natural world and business development. Another argument highlights the shortcomings of carbon offset programs by big companies.

The analysis cites a report from The Guardian, which claims that 90% of these offset programs are considered worthless. This suggests that these programs, which aim to reduce carbon emissions, may not effectively fulfill their purpose. The sentiment towards this argument is negative, indicating concern about the misleading and ineffective nature of these programs.

In contrast, the analysis emphasizes the importance of individual behavior change in combating global warming. It suggests that individual actions play a vital role in addressing this global challenge. Although no supporting facts are provided for this argument, the sentiment is positive, indicating recognition of the significance of personal responsibility in tackling climate change.

The analysis also explores the potential of open banking for calculating individual carbon footprints. Open banking, which was first developed in the UK in 2017, involves sharing individual customer consumption pattern data. The sentiment towards this argument is positive, suggesting that open banking could potentially be a useful tool in measuring and assessing individual carbon footprints.

The discussion of data privacy highlights the need for a sophisticated interaction of privacy rules for data sharing for social good. In particular, it mentions that consumer privacy can be protected through a combination of property rules, liability rules, and inability rules.

This argument emphasizes the importance of ensuring that privacy rules and regulations are in place to protect individuals’ personal information while still enabling data sharing for the benefit of society. The sentiment towards this argument is positive, emphasizing the need to strike a balance between privacy and the potential social benefits of data sharing.

Overall, this analysis provides insights into various topics related to business, climate change, banking, and data privacy. It highlights the influence of traditional Chinese cosmology on the business ecosystem, raises concerns about the effectiveness of carbon offset programs by big companies, underscores the importance of individual behavior change in addressing global warming, explores the potential of open banking for calculating carbon footprints, and emphasizes the need for privacy rules in data sharing for social good.

Arguments

Digital platforms and ecosystems are transforming economies and creating new challenges for competition authorities.

Supporting facts:

• Digitalisation contributed to the emergence of digital platforms and ecosystems.

• Digital platform ecosystems offer many products spanning across sectors.

• This transformation blurs the traditional roles of consumers in supply chains.

Topics: digital platforms, e-Commerce, economies, digitalisation

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Competition authorities are increasingly adopting ecosystem-level assessments in their investigations.

Supporting facts:

• Competition authorities have recognised the need for ecosystem-level assessments.

• Examples of this change include the CMA’s handling of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

• The European Commission’s rejection of Booking.com’s acquisition of eTravellery also highlighted this shift.

Topics: competition authorities, ecosystem-level assessments, mergers and acquisitions, innovating regulatory frameworks

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The proposed EcoAntitrust approach suggests treating digital platform ecosystems as complex adaptive systems.

Supporting facts:

• The EcoAntitrust is a joint project undertaken by Elena Rovenskaya and Alexei Ivanov.

• The approach proposes that regulators should act more like gardeners rather than mechanical engineers, overseeing the holistic health of the system.

• The goal of this approach is to account for the constantly evolving nature of these systems.

Topics: EcoAntitrust, complex adaptive systems, digital platforms, regulatory methods

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The analogy of data as oil has its limitations since data can be shared without losing possession unlike physical goods

Supporting facts:

• If I give you a barrel of oil, I don’t have it anymore, you have it. If I give you a piece of data, I still have it and you have it.

Topics: Data sharing, Data usage, Competitive strategy

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Report

Digital platforms and ecosystems are fundamentally transforming economies and presenting new challenges for competition authorities. These platforms have enabled the emergence of digital ecosystems that offer a wide range of products across various sectors, blurring the traditional roles of consumers in supply chains.

The shift towards these ecosystems requires competition authorities to adopt ecosystem-level assessments in their investigations. For example, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) recognized the importance of evaluating the broader implications of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard within the digital ecosystem.

The European Commission’s rejection of Booking.com’s acquisition of eTravellery also underscored the growing emphasis on ecosystem-level evaluations in merger reviews. To address the unique complexities posed by digital platform ecosystems, the proposed EcoAntitrust approach suggests treating them as complex adaptive systems.

Advocated by Elena Rovenskaya and Alexei Ivanov, this approach proposes that regulators should act more like gardeners rather than mechanical engineers, nurturing the holistic health of the system. As the emergence of digital platforms and ecosystems reshape economies, Elena Rovenskaya argues that competition law and policy need to evolve in response.

She cites cases handled by the CMA and the European Commission as evidence of this need for change. While data is often compared to oil, there are limitations to this analogy. Unlike physical goods, data can be shared without losing ownership, raising questions about its exclusivity and competitive strategies.

It is important for regulators to consider these unique characteristics and dynamics of data utilization when formulating policies. In conclusion, the transformative impact of digital platforms and ecosystems on economies demands a proactive and adaptive approach from competition authorities. Adopting ecosystem-level assessments, such as those seen in the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard and Booking.com-eTravellery cases, is essential.

The EcoAntitrust approach offers a valuable perspective, treating digital platform ecosystems as complex adaptive systems. Elena Rovenskaya emphasizes the need for competition law and policy to adapt to the evolving nature of these platforms and ecosystems. Additionally, it is crucial to acknowledge the limitations of the data-as-oil analogy in understanding the dynamics of data sharing and possession.

Arguments

Marat Omarov emphasized the importance of merging policy with research in digital regulation.

Supporting facts:

• Marat offered an example of how they navigated digital regulation in Kazakhstan, in particular the case of a ride-sharing app.

• Marat mentioned how they considered traditional ways of regulation such as price caps and market definitions but ultimately realized the need for a more dynamic approach.

Topics: Digital Regulation, Policy, Research

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He advocated for a dynamic remedies approach to regulation, stressing the need to preserve innovation while still nurturing the digital environment.

Supporting facts:

• Marat discussed how they are currently auditing the ride-sharing app’s algorithm to understand its pricing.

• He shared how they are examining different leniency programs as part of their investigation.

Topics: Regulation, Innovation, Digital Environment

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Report

Marat Omarov emphasized the importance of integrating policy and research in the context of digital regulation during his discussion on ride-sharing app regulation in Kazakhstan. He provided an example of how a more dynamic approach was needed instead of relying solely on traditional methods like price caps and market definitions.

This highlights his recognition of the evolving nature of digital platforms and the importance of adapting regulatory frameworks accordingly, aligning with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. In advocating for a dynamic remedies approach to regulation, Marat stressed the need to strike a balance between preserving innovation and nurturing a favorable digital environment.

As part of their investigation into the ride-sharing app, they are currently conducting an audit of its pricing algorithm and exploring various leniency programs. This reflects their commitment to understanding the app’s operations and its impact on the market, supporting SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

Marat maintained a constructive stance towards emerging tech platforms, emphasizing the importance of open conversations and cooperative investigations. Acknowledging the ride-sharing company’s openness, he implied a cooperative approach towards the investigation. He also warned against blindly applying traditional regulation to certain industries, highlighting the potential counterproductivity of such an approach.

This aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. In conclusion, Marat Omarov’s insights demonstrate the need to merge policy and research in digital regulation. His example of ride-sharing app regulation in Kazakhstan underscores the importance of dynamic approaches to adapt to the rapidly evolving digital landscape, while still nurturing innovation.

By advocating for open conversations and cooperative investigations, Marat emphasizes the value of partnerships in achieving effective regulations in the digital sphere.

Arguments

The role of data is crucial in the competitive market and can be seen as a vital resource needed for the market to thrive

Supporting facts:

• Data often referred to as the ‘new oil’ reflecting its importance as a resource

• Data can be appropriated by strategic players causing imbalance in the market competition

Topics: Data Management, Market Competition, Data Resource

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Authorities should work together in a regulatory ecosystem to ensure goals are aligned and market conduct is properly scrutinized

Supporting facts:

• Different types of authorities need to work together to prevent things from being ‘lost in the cracks’

• There is often a lack of clarity when it comes to roles and responsibilities of respective authorities

Topics: Regulatory Ecosystem, Collaboration, Authority Alignment

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Report

The importance of data as a resource in the competitive market is highlighted in the given information. Data is often referred to as the ‘new oil’, signifying its significance in driving markets. However, there is a concern that strategic players may appropriate data, leading to imbalances in market competition.

This issue acknowledges the potential for certain players to gain an unfair advantage by controlling or monopolizing data, which can hinder fair competition. To address this concern, the argument in favor of a nuanced and ecosystem approach to understanding and regulating the power balance within market competition, particularly concerning data use, is presented.

This approach suggests that a comprehensive understanding of the market is necessary to ensure fair competition. It also highlights the need for proper regulation to prevent the misuse of data power by companies such as WhatsApp, banks, and online food delivery services, which have been cited as examples of data abuse.

In addition, it is argued that creating obstacles for data transfer hampers competition. To promote healthy competition, data should be shared openly with competitors. This open sharing of data is seen as crucial in leveling the playing field and preventing unfair advantages.

It aligns with the goals of reducing inequalities and fostering peace, justice, and strong institutions. Another important aspect emphasized in the provided information is the need for collaboration between different authorities within a regulatory ecosystem. This collaboration seeks to prevent issues from slipping through the cracks and ensures a clear understanding of respective roles and responsibilities.

By working together, authorities can better scrutinize market conduct, align goals, and prevent any actions that may be detrimental to fair competition. In conclusion, the extended summary highlights the significance of data as a vital resource in the competitive market.

It underscores the concerns regarding the appropriation of data by strategic players and the resulting imbalance in market competition. The need for a nuanced approach to regulate data use and promote healthy competition is stressed. Collaboration between different authorities within a regulatory ecosystem is also emphasized to ensure effective market scrutiny and aligned goals.

Overall, the analysis suggests that careful management of data and collaborative regulatory efforts are essential to maintain fairness and ensure a thriving market.

Arguments

Limitations exist in competition laws in addressing big data dynamics

Supporting facts:

• Comparison between competition laws and ecosystems theories shows the inadequacy in coping with digital market dynamism

• South African competition Law has been adapted to be more dynamic by considering public interest issues and market failures in implementing remedies

Topics: Big data, Competition Law, Market Dynamics

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Existing ecosystems could be artificially constraining

Supporting facts:

• App stores’ work design limits developer interface and can be restrictive

• The existence of local platforms and innovations shows alternative possibilities outside major ecosystems

Topics: Ecosystems, Artificial Constrictions, Innovation

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Report

Competition laws are found to be inadequate in addressing the fast-changing dynamics of big data in the digital market. This has been highlighted through a comparison with ecosystem theories, which indicate the limitations of competition laws in coping with the dynamic nature of the digital market.

However, South Africa has taken steps to adapt its competition law to be more responsive to market needs. Specifically, the country has considered public interest issues and market failures in implementing remedies, aiming to create a more dynamic framework. Furthermore, it is argued that competition laws need to evolve to counteract issues such as exploitation and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

South Africa’s relationship with state-owned enterprises and large firms has necessitated the development of strategies to constrain abuse and dominance. One approach that has been effective is the implementation of a market inquiry regime, which has resulted in binding remedies based on identified market failures.

These proactive measures demonstrate the importance of evolving competition laws to ensure fair and equitable competition. The analysis also highlights the need for regulation to be multidimensional, extending beyond competition to encompass sectors such as consumer protection and regulated industries.

The impact of big data goes beyond competition, affecting various areas of the market. The effective regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) requires inputs from multiple disciplinary authorities, emphasising the complexity and interdisciplinary nature of regulating emerging technologies. In addition, the analysis suggests that existing ecosystems may artificially constrain innovation and development.

Specifically, the work design of app stores can limit developer interface, potentially hindering creative possibilities. However, there are alternative possibilities outside major ecosystems, as evidenced by the existence of local platforms and innovations. This highlights the importance of considering the potential constraints of existing ecosystems and exploring alternative avenues for innovation.

Lastly, managing digital ecosystems from an ecological approach is proposed as beneficial. This approach promotes local participation and supports small and medium enterprises, fostering a more inclusive and diverse ecosystem. The adaptability of ecosystems can be utilised to determine their size and structure, ensuring a balanced and sustainable digital ecosystem.

Overall, this analysis underscores the limitations of competition laws in addressing the dynamic nature of big data while also highlighting the efforts made by South Africa to enhance its competition law framework. It emphasises the need for the evolution of competition laws to counteract issues like exploitation and to prevent future occurrences.

Furthermore, the multidimensional nature of regulation, the potential constraints of existing ecosystems, and the benefits of managing digital ecosystems through an ecological approach are highlighted. These insights provide valuable considerations for policymakers and stakeholders in the digital market.

Arguments

Alibaba is aiming to make it easier for Brazilian businesses to become part of global e-commerce

Supporting facts:

• Alibaba.com is the largest B2B e-commerce platform in the world

• Brazil has always been a buyer country at Alibaba.com

• Alibaba is aiming to balance the trade balance

Topics: Alibaba, B2B e-commerce, Brazilian businesses, Global e-commerce

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Seeing significant results from the cooperation and integration of Brazilian businesses into cross-border e-commerce

Supporting facts:

• Brazilian cosmetics company selling to the United Arab Emirates and Australia

• Yerba mate sold to the UK

• Furniture being sold to Israel

Topics: Cooperation, Brazilian businesses, Cross-border e-commerce, Significant results

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Partnership with Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock and Apex to promote food and beverage through Alibaba.com

Supporting facts:

• Alibaba.com is the main platform where these goods are sold

• See a huge potential with the partnership

Topics: Partnership, Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock, Apex, Alibaba.com

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Report

Alibaba, the largest B2B e-commerce platform in the world, is aiming to make it easier for Brazilian businesses to participate in global e-commerce. Brazil has always been a buyer country on Alibaba.com, and Alibaba is striving to balance the trade balance by leveraging this potential.

To support and train Brazilian entrepreneurs in navigating the global e-commerce landscape, Alibaba has formed a crucial partnership with APEX. This collaboration includes signing an MOU for capacity building and training, subsidising membership for selected companies, and maintaining regular monthly meetings.

The cooperation and integration of Brazilian businesses into cross-border e-commerce have resulted in significant achievements. Notably, a Brazilian cosmetics company has successfully sold products to the United Arab Emirates and Australia, while Yerba mate, a traditional Brazilian beverage, has found a market in the UK.

Additionally, furniture from Brazil is being sold in Israel. These successes highlight the positive outcomes of embracing global trade opportunities and participating in the e-commerce market. The Brazilian economy has substantial potential in the global e-commerce market, as evidenced by various success stories on Alibaba.com.

In line with this potential, Alibaba has partnered with the Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock and APEX to promote food and beverages through their platform. By leveraging Alibaba.com as the main platform for these goods, the partnership aims to unlock new growth opportunities, support the Brazilian agricultural sector, and contribute to sustainable development goals related to zero hunger and decent work and economic growth.

There is excitement and optimism about the current and future outcomes of the partnership between Alibaba, APEX, and the Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock. This positive sentiment is supported by the successful integration of Brazilian businesses into cross-border e-commerce and the potential for further growth in the global e-commerce market.

The collaboration not only provides economic opportunities for Brazilian entrepreneurs but also aligns with sustainable development goals related to industry, innovation, infrastructure, and partnerships for sustainable development goals.

Arguments

Karina Bazuchi underscored the importance of international e-commerce for small businesses to penetrate international markets

Supporting facts:

• APEX Brazil is dedicated to promoting Brazilian products and services abroad

• APEX’s main program involves helping Brazilian companies export through international e-commerce platforms

• Has a partnership with Alibaba.com to enhance Brazilian exports on their B2B platform

Topics: APEX Brazil, Alibaba, International e-commerce, Exports

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Partnership with the Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock and Apex has been successful

Supporting facts:

• The partnership has been ongoing for more than a year

• Worked with more than 80 companies this year alone

• Evidence of successful exports to various countries

Topics: Partnerships, International trade, Food and beverage export, e-commerce

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Report

Apex Brazil, in collaboration with the Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock, plays a crucial role in promoting Brazilian products and services abroad. Their primary initiative focuses on assisting Brazilian companies in exporting their goods through international e-commerce platforms. As part of this effort, Apex Brazil has formed a partnership with Alibaba.com, a prominent B2B platform, to enhance Brazilian exports.

Karina Bazuchi, a representative of Apex Brazil, has highlighted the significance of international e-commerce for small businesses seeking to enter global markets. She emphasizes the use of digital tools to expand business operations. In addition to leveraging e-commerce platforms, Bazuchi also recognizes the value of utilizing their own websites and social networks.

She acknowledges that e-commerce platforms not only offer comprehensive solutions for businesses aiming to reach new markets but also provide opportunities for companies to establish their online presence. The partnership between Apex Brazil and the Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock has proven to be successful.

With the collaboration ongoing for over a year, they have worked with more than 80 companies in the current year alone. The evidence of their accomplishment is seen through the successful exports to various countries facilitated by this partnership. Looking ahead, Apex Brazil and the Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock are eager to continue their collaboration and expand into the domain of food and beverage export through e-commerce.

A new project dedicated to this area is being launched. By leveraging digital platforms and international e-commerce, they aim to enhance the export capabilities of the Brazilian food and beverage industry, contributing to the goals of zero hunger and sustainable economic growth.

In conclusion, Apex Brazil, in partnership with the Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock, is actively working towards promoting Brazilian products and services through international e-commerce. They recognize the importance of digital tools in business expansion and are committed to supporting small businesses in accessing international markets.

With successful exports already achieved, they are now venturing into food and beverage export through e-commerce, further strengthening Brazil’s position in the global market.

Arguments

Launched a new program targeting food and beverage exports via e-commerce

Supporting facts:

• Program is part of a larger project called the Agro-Briand project

• The project has already enlisted 9 companies in two weeks since its launch

• 20 of the participating companies are located in the north and northeast of Brazil

Topics: Food and Beverage, E-commerce, Exports

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The project aims to diversify trade, promoting value-added product exports and reducing social inequality

Supporting facts:

• Main focus is on the rural families and their local production reality

• It provides opportunities for small and medium farmers to reach international markets

Topics: Trade Diversification, Social Inequality, Value-added Products

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E-commerce provides visibility and opportunities for small and medium farmers

Supporting facts:

• Facilitates a wide-ranging platform for selling and promoting products

• Allows farmers to tell their product’s story and sustainable practices

Topics: E-commerce, Small and Medium Farmers, Visibility

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Report

The Agro-Briand project in Brazil has recently launched a new programme aimed at targeting food and beverage exports via e-commerce. This programme has gained impressive traction in a short span of two weeks, already enlisting the participation of nine companies.

Notably, 20 of the participating companies are located in the north and northeast regions of Brazil. The primary objective of this programme is to diversify trade and promote the export of value-added products, while also addressing social inequality. To achieve this, the programme focuses on supporting rural families and their local production reality.

The aim is to provide small and medium farmers with opportunities to access international markets, thereby reducing social inequalities. One of the key elements of the programme is an e-commerce platform designed to facilitate the selling and promotion of products.

This platform offers a wide-ranging marketplace for farmers to showcase their goods, thereby increasing visibility and opportunities for small and medium farmers. It also allows them to share the story behind their products and highlight their sustainable practices, which could attract environmentally-conscious consumers.

Despite the challenges faced by Brazilian farmers in breaking into the export market, the programme argues that success is attainable through e-commerce. Brazilian farmers face logistical and regulatory barriers when trying to reach international markets. However, the programme believes that e-commerce provides a viable solution for these farmers to access international consumers and overcome these barriers.

By leveraging the e-commerce platform, farmers can effectively reach a broader customer base and expand their export potential. In conclusion, the new programme launched in Brazil under the Agro-Briand project aims to boost food and beverage exports through e-commerce. It aims to diversify trade, promote value-added product exports, and reduce social inequality by providing small and medium farmers with opportunities to access international markets.

The e-commerce platform offered by the programme facilitates increased visibility for farmers and allows them to showcase their sustainable practices. Despite the challenges faced, the programme believes that success in exports is achievable for Brazilian farmers through e-commerce.

Arguments

Zimbabwe Revenue Authority is striving to achieve digital transformation to fulfill its strategic objectives

Supporting facts:

• Zimbabwe Revenue Authority came into being in 2001, combining domestic taxes and customs departments

• Its strategic plan spans 2021 to 2025 with objectives of strengthening institutional image, maximizing revenue collection and enhancing trade facilitation

• The Authority has been upgrading its systems in partnership with UNCTAD since 1991, with the latest upgrade planned for 2024

Topics: Digital Transformation, Strategic Planning, Revenue Collection

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Integration of Scudo World platform with several other platforms for seamless service to clients

Supporting facts:

• Several functional modules were developed in partnership with UNCTAD and through in-house developments

• The Authority integrated its Scudo World platform with domestic taxes platform, electronic cargo tracking system, central bank, local banking system, and vehicle registration unit

Topics: Information Technology, Systems Integration, Tax and customs services

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Report

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) is actively pursuing digital transformation as part of its strategic plan for the period from 2021 to 2025. The main objectives of this transformation include strengthening the institutional image, maximizing revenue collection, and enhancing trade facilitation. ZIMRA has been working in partnership with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) since 1991 to upgrade its systems, and they have planned the latest upgrade for 2024.

To support their digital transformation efforts, ZIMRA has developed several functional modules in collaboration with UNCTAD and through in-house developments. These modules have been instrumental in integrating various platforms to ensure seamless service to clients. One notable example is the integration of the Scudo World platform with the domestic taxes platform, electronic cargo tracking system, central bank, local banking system, and vehicle registration unit.

This integration enables ZIMRA to provide more efficient and streamlined services to its clients. The digital transformation of ZIMRA is an ongoing process and is considered crucial for efficient service delivery. Currently, the Authority has achieved about 90% automation in its customs clearance processes, eliminating the need for manual interventions and streamlining the clearance procedures.

Efforts are also being made to move away from paper-based clearance methodologies, with a focus on digital solutions and technology-driven processes. Overall, the journey towards digital transformation is seen as vital for ZIMRA to achieve its strategic objectives. The efforts made in upgrading systems, developing functional modules, and integrating platforms have positively impacted the Authority’s ability to provide efficient services to clients.

With continued investment in digital technologies, ZIMRA aims to enhance revenue collection, facilitate trade, and improve its overall institutional image.

Arguments

Automating governmental systems through a single window approach is the vision

Supporting facts:

• Secretary-General promised she would open the single window

Topics: automation, governmental systems, single window approach

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Importance of data accuracy and timely availability in end-to-end delivery

Supporting facts:

• Postal networks have transitioned from communication network to trade facilitators

• Data sharing and collection has improved end-to-end delivery

Topics: Data sharing, Data collection, Trade facilitation, Mobile-based solutions

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Report

The analysis covers a range of topics, including automating governmental systems through a single window approach, trade facilitation, regional collaboration, and technological advancement. The speakers express a positive sentiment towards the vision of automating governmental systems through a single window, with the Secretary-General promising to open this window.

They also discuss the importance of data accuracy and timely availability in end-to-end delivery, highlighting the transition of postal networks into trade facilitators. The significance of collaboration between Saudi Arabia and other MENA region countries is emphasised, with a call for Saudi Arabia to not develop in isolation.

The audience agrees with Saudi Arabia’s leapfrogging in technological advancement, and Peter Major commends the panel and the quality of information shared. Overall, the analysis underscores the importance of innovation, collaboration, and effective data management in driving progress in various sectors.

Arguments

The digitalization is an integral part of trade facilitation

Supporting facts:

• The WTO and the Committee on Trade Facilitation are working on integrating digitalization into the overall trade facilitation process.

Topics: Digitalization, Trade Facilitation, WTO, TFA

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Three crucial contributions have been made by TFA in the field of digital trade.

Supporting facts:

• An exercise was conducted by each member to categorize their own provisions and requirements.

• The Committee on Trade Facilitation created a platform for experience sharing.

• A matchmaking process was established to identify needs and provide appropriate support.

Topics: Digitalization, Trade Facitation Agreement, Import and Export Procedures

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NTFCs play a crucial role in following up on the progress of the trade facilitation agreement implementation

Supporting facts:

• NTFCs allow for adjustments as situations and realities change over the course of agreement implementation

Topics: NTFCs, TFA, trade facilitation agreement

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Establishing priorities is essential for National Trade Facilitation Committees

Supporting facts:

• Priorities differ from member-to-member, requiring focus and resource allocation

• Technical assistance has been provided but is not yet sufficient, indicating need for clearer prioritization

Topics: NTFCs, trade facilitification

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NTFCs should work to reduce the ‘perception factor’, ensure internal analysis and communication

Supporting facts:

• Members have unique needs that may not be apparent to others

• Effective internal communication aids in identifying these unique needs

Topics: NTFCs, internal analysis, communication

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Reliability is connected to the building of trust

Topics: Trust, Reliability

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Harmonisation and adherence to good practices can help build trust

Topics: Trust, Harmonisation, Good practices

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Report

The World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Committee on Trade Facilitation are working together to integrate digitalization into the trade facilitation process. This positive development recognizes digitalization as an essential aspect of trade facilitation. The efforts made by the WTO and the Committee on Trade Facilitation demonstrate their commitment to leveraging technology to enhance trade processes.

The Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) has made significant contributions in promoting digital trade. Firstly, members conducted an exercise to categorise their provisions and requirements, gaining a better understanding of individual needs and challenges. Secondly, the Committee on Trade Facilitation established a platform for sharing experiences, facilitating knowledge transfer and best practices.

Lastly, a matchmaking process was introduced to identify needs and provide appropriate support, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently. Efforts are being made to streamline trade processes through digitalization. Members are developing single windows and implementing certifications, improving efficiency and reducing bureaucracy.

Additionally, pre-arrival processing and expedited shipments are being prioritized, further enhancing trade processes. The positive sentiment towards these efforts signifies progress in digitalizing trade facilitation. National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs) play a crucial role in monitoring and implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement.

NTFCs allow for adjustments as circumstances change during implementation. Prioritization is key, as each member has different needs and challenges. Focusing resources on specific areas helps address these challenges effectively. Efficient internal communication within NTFCs is important for identifying unique needs and challenges faced by each member.

By reducing perception biases and ensuring robust internal analysis and communication, NTFCs can better understand their jurisdictions’ requirements. This enables them to provide effective support and assistance. Strengthening ties between NTFCs and the Geneva mission is necessary to improve information dissemination.

The WTO’s Committee on Trade Facilitation possesses a wealth of information that could benefit NTFCs. Enhancing communication between the two parties will foster greater cooperation and collaboration. Building trust is a crucial factor in trade facilitation. Reliability plays a significant role in establishing trust, and adherence to harmonization and good practices fosters trust among trading partners.

Prioritizing harmonization and following best practices creates a predictable and trustworthy trading environment. In conclusion, integrating digitalization into trade facilitation processes has positive implications for enhancing efficiency and streamlining trade procedures. The Trade Facilitation Agreement, along with the efforts of the WTO, the Committee on Trade Facilitation, and National Trade Facilitation Committees, contribute significantly to digital trade.

Enhancing ties between NTFCs and the Geneva mission and improving communication within NTFCs are essential for effective implementation. Trust is a vital component of trade facilitation, and adhering to harmonization and good practices fosters trust among trading partners.

Arguments

Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in digital infrastructure to foster its digital economy.

Supporting facts:

• Saudi Arabia invested $25 billion in digital infrastructure over six years.

• 80 billion dollars were planned to build a network of large-scale data centers.

• 9 billion dollars were spent on cloud infrastructure to provide support to the private sector in Saudi Arabia.

Topics: Digital Infrastructure, Investments, Saudi Arabia

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Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is about developing the country’s digital and e-commerce sector among other things.

Supporting facts:

• Launched in 2016, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has made considerable strides in enhancing the country’s digital infrastructure and e-commerce sector.

• Vision 2030 aims to create 300,000 jobs in the kingdom.

Topics: Saudi Arabia, Vision 2030, Digital Economy, E-commerce

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Eiman bin Habbas Al-Mutairi shares experience on development in e-commerce in Saudi Arabia

Supporting facts:

• Saudi Arabia started with a lot of logistics, enabling the growth of e-commerce.

• Working on customs clearances allowed for faster delivery of goods, achieving an 80% rate of goods being cleared within 48 hours.

Topics: Saudi Arabia, e-commerce, logistics, regulations, Vision 2030, customs clearances

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Whole of government approach is needed

Supporting facts:

• Creation of national competitiveness center

• Meeting with international organizations for guidance

• Creation of smaller committees for specific issues like trading across borders

Topics: National Trade Facilitations Committees, Government Cooperation, Ministerial Collaboration

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Saudi Arabia has a vision to be among top ten countries in competitiveness by 2030

Supporting facts:

• Launched Vision

• Established Competitiveness Center

Topics: Saudi Vision 2030, Competitiveness, International Rankings

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Private sector involvement is crucial

Supporting facts:

• Included Private Sector in committees

• Regular workshops with Private sector for feedback.

• Feedback from international private sectors for reforms

Topics: Public-Private Parterships, Business, Economic Growth

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Bureaucracy needs to be reduced for smooth business operations

Supporting facts:

• Creation of Saudi Business Centre.

• Virtual Agent for assistance

Topics: Regulations, Economic Growth, Business

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Data analysis and management is essential for efficient operations

Supporting facts:

• Data analysis committee in National Competitiveness Center.

• Efforts to clean and manage data.

Topics: Data, Digitalization, Technology

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Learning from others and cooperating on international level is important

Supporting facts:

• Working with Singapore on paperless bill of lading.

• Learning through multilateralism agreements.

Topics: International Collaboration, Learning, Policy

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Saudi Arabia has a vision to diversify its economy away from oil and gas and enter into IT, digital economy, and AI as quickly and as sustainably as possible.

Supporting facts:

• Saudi Arabia has a strong political will to diversify its economy.

• Young and ambitious leadership in Saudi Arabia is ready for change.

• Everyone in Saudi Arabia, from schoolchildren to university graduates, has been trained on the vision and how they can participate in and benefit from the change.

Topics: Economic Diversification, Digital Economy, Artificial Intelligence

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Report

Saudi Arabia has invested a substantial $25 billion in digital infrastructure over six years, demonstrating its commitment to developing its digital economy. This investment has focused on building large-scale data centers and cloud infrastructure to support the private sector. The positive sentiment surrounding these investments highlights Saudi Arabia’s dedication to enhancing its digital capabilities.

These efforts are aligned with Vision 2030, the country’s development plan, which aims to transform sectors including digital and e-commerce, create 300,000 jobs, and diversify the economy away from oil and gas. However, measurement and consensus on e-commerce and digital economy definitions are needed for effective management and assessment.

Eiman bin Habbas Al-Mutairi emphasizes the importance of broader strategies for the digital economy, including regulatory frameworks and skill development. Efforts in logistics and customs clearances have facilitated e-commerce growth, while international collaboration and private sector involvement are seen as crucial for progress.

Effective data analysis and management are key for operational efficiency. Saudi Arabia’s ambition to diversify its economy towards IT, digital economy, and artificial intelligence is backed by strong leadership and training programs. The country aims to be a leader in the digital field by leveraging its digital infrastructure and fostering international cooperation.

Arguments

The postal industry has shifted from being a communication support network to a trade facilitation enabling network.

Supporting facts:

• The postal network consists of over 660,000 post offices worldwide.

• These post offices support MSMEs and citizens in communities.

Topics: Postal industry, Trade facilitation, e-commerce

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Data collection in digital trade is vital and this data needs to be shared.

Supporting facts:

• The UPU has taken initiatives to improve performance and capability of the postal network.

• UPU facilitates seamless exchange of information between postal operators.

• UPU has introduced a project for electronic advance data.

Topics: Digital trade, Data collection, Data sharing

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Adoption of digital solutions has improved end-to-end delivery times by over 20% over the last three years.

Supporting facts:

• All of the postal operators of the world are using the UPU data sharing network to share information in real time.

• Data capturing enables quality data sharing.

Topics: Digital solutions, Delivery times, Improvement

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Embracing innovation is important and the UPU organized an innovation event to interrogate and analyse postal data.

Supporting facts:

• The event saw partnerships from students, academia and private sector come together.

• Analysis of data opened up new possibilities for improving the supply chain.

Topics: Innovation, Data analysis, UPU

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Investment in postal office infrastructure is vital for developing nations

Supporting facts:

• Over 100,000 post offices, especially in poor and developing countries, still lack internet connectivity

• Issues of electricity are also prevalent in many of these regions

Topics: Postal services, Technological investments, Developing nations

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Adoption of available technology solutions and creating a conducive environment is the priority

Supporting facts:

• Technology solutions themselves are not the problem, it’s the adoption and enabling environment

Topics: Postal services, Technology adoption, Connectivity

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Skills improvement for postal workers is crucial for the interconnection to happen

Supporting facts:

• The human element of digital trade is important and post offices are the human contact point for SMEs

Topics: Skills development, Postal services, Human element

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Work needs to be done on improving data quality tools, and mobile and automation space

Supporting facts:

• Emphasis on the need for compliance and capacity-building programs

• Accuracy in data submission is paramount

Topics: Data Quality Tools, Mobile Technology, Automation

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Goal is for automation and paperless trade through systems

Topics: Automation, Paperless Trade

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Report

The postal industry has transitioned from being solely a communication support network to becoming a trade facilitation enabling network. This shift has brought numerous benefits to communities and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). With over 660,000 post offices worldwide, the postal network plays a vital role in supporting these entities.

The positive sentiment towards this transformation suggests that it has successfully met the needs of businesses and citizens, contributing to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. In the realm of digital trade, the collection and sharing of data are of paramount importance.

The Universal Postal Union (UPU) has implemented initiatives to enhance the performance and capability of the postal network, including seamless information exchange between operators and the introduction of a project for electronic advance data. This positive sentiment towards data collection and sharing highlights its critical role in promoting efficient and effective digital trade, aligned with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

The adoption of digital solutions in the postal industry has led to a remarkable 20% improvement in end-to-end delivery times over the past three years. This improvement can be attributed to the use of the UPU data sharing network, enabling real-time information sharing among postal operators.

The successful adoption of digital solutions has undoubtedly streamlined processes and enhanced overall efficiency, contributing to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. Innovation has played a crucial role in the postal industry’s development. The UPU organized an innovation event that brought together various stakeholders such as students, academia, and the private sector.

Through the analysis of postal data, new possibilities for improving the supply chain have been discovered, demonstrating the positive sentiment towards innovative approaches and the industry’s commitment to leveraging data for continuous improvement, aligning with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a valuable tool for enhancing data quality, analysis, and predictability in digital trade. AI enables the identification of patterns and predicts future outcomes, promoting predictability in delivery times. This observation underscores the potential of AI in addressing challenges and enhancing the efficiency of digital trade processes, contributing to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

Investment in postal office infrastructure is crucial for developing nations, especially considering the lack of internet connectivity in over 100,000 post offices in impoverished regions. Addressing this issue is vital, as it hampers the ability of these nations to fully participate in the digital trade landscape, aligned with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

The adoption of available technology solutions and the creation of a conducive environment for their implementation are essential for the progress of the postal industry. While technology solutions themselves are not the problem, ensuring their effective adoption and creating an enabling environment play a significant role in leveraging their benefits fully.

Skills development for postal workers is crucial for enabling the interconnection of MSMEs and other stakeholders. Post offices serve as vital human contact points for small businesses, emphasizing the importance of improving the skills of postal workers to effectively support their needs, contributing to SDG 4: Quality Education.

Recognizing the need to address the lack of internet connectivity in many post offices, the UPU has launched a connectivity initiative. This initiative aims to connect all post offices to the internet, allowing them to take full advantage of the benefits of digital trade, contributing to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

Improving data quality tools, mobile technology, and automation is an area that requires attention. Emphasis on compliance and capacity-building programs is necessary to ensure accurate data submission. Additionally, the use of AI and advanced tools can enhance data quality and promote higher reliability.

These observations further underscore the importance of continuous improvement in data-related aspects of the postal industry, aligned with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. Lastly, the goal of achieving automation and paperless trade through the implementation of systems is optimistic. The move towards automating processes and reducing paper usage aligns with the objective of responsible consumption and production, contributing to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

In conclusion, the postal industry’s transformation into a trade facilitation enabling network has brought numerous benefits for communities and MSMEs. Data collection and sharing, adoption of digital solutions, innovation, AI utilization, investment in infrastructure, technology adoption, skills development, connectivity initiatives, data quality improvements, and automation are pivotal aspects driving the industry’s growth and evolution.

The positive sentiment towards these developments demonstrates the industry’s commitment to enhancing efficiency, inclusivity, and sustainability in the digital trade landscape, aligning with multiple SDGs.

Arguments

Emerging technologies such as blockchain, automated custom systems, digital platforms or artificial intelligence have transformed supply chains and ushered in a new era of efficiency, transparency and interconnectedness.

Supporting facts:

• UNCTAD’s largest technical assistance program, ASICUDA, offers digital solutions to automate customs

• A recent project by UNCTAD uses blockchain to simplify and expedite import, export and transit procedures

Topics: Digital Technologies, Trade and Logistics, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Supply Chains

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The first global supply chain forum will take place in Barbados in May 2024.

Supporting facts:

• The forum will address the growing supply chain challenges such as sustainable and resilient transport and logistics, trade facilitation, digitalization, transport connectivity, or transport costs

• The forum will also address issues such as food security or climate change adaptation and mitigation, and how to help developing countries prepare for the energy transition in international transport

• The forum is financially supported by the government of Saudi Arabia

Topics: Global Supply Chain Forum, Trade and Logistics, Sustainable and resilient transport and logistics, Climate change adaptation and mitigation

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Report

The emergence of ground-breaking technologies such as blockchain, automated customs systems, digital platforms, and artificial intelligence has brought about a seismic shift in the way supply chains operate. These technologies have revolutionised supply chains by introducing unprecedented levels of efficiency, transparency, and interconnectedness.

UNCTAD, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, has played a pivotal role in harnessing the power of these emerging technologies to transform supply chain processes. Their largest technical assistance programme, known as ASICUDA, offers digital solutions that automate customs procedures.

By leveraging cutting-edge technology, UNCTAD aims to streamline customs processes and reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies. Furthermore, UNCTAD has embarked on a groundbreaking project that utilises blockchain technology to simplify import, export, and transit procedures. Blockchain, with its decentralised and immutable nature, enables secure and tamper-proof recording of transactions.

By implementing blockchain in supply chain operations, UNCTAD seeks to facilitate faster and more secure movement of goods across borders. In addition to these technological advancements, the need for a collaborative platform to address various challenges faced by supply chains has become apparent.

The first global supply chain forum, set to take place in Barbados in May 2024, aims to facilitate meaningful discussions and collaborations among industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders. The forum is financially supported by the government of Saudi Arabia, highlighting the global recognition of the importance of addressing supply chain challenges.

The forum will focus on key areas such as sustainable and resilient transport and logistics, trade facilitation, digitalisation, transport connectivity, and transport costs. Moreover, it will also address critical issues surrounding food security, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and preparing developing countries for the energy transition in international transport.

By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, the forum aims to find comprehensive and sustainable solutions to these pressing challenges. In conclusion, the rapid progression of emerging technologies has transformed supply chains by enhancing efficiency, transparency, and interconnectedness. UNCTAD’s efforts in adopting these technologies, through programmes like ASICUDA and the implementation of blockchain, demonstrate their commitment to revolutionising supply chain processes.

Additionally, the upcoming global supply chain forum in Barbados signifies the recognition of the need for collaboration and comprehensive solutions to address the challenges faced by supply chains. By harnessing the power of technology and fostering international cooperation, the future of supply chains looks promising.

Arguments

The digital frontiers in trade logistics, such as advancements in digital tools and connectivity, shaping the future of transport and trade facilitation.

Supporting facts:

• Discussion will focus on digital advancements in trade logistics that positively impact global trade and transport connectivity.

• Aims to improve efficiency, transparency, and overall effectiveness in the movement of goods and information across the supply chain.

Topics: Digital frontiers, Trade logistics, Transport, Trade facilitation

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Importance of digital platforms and technology in enhancing global trade logistics.

Supporting facts:

• Emerging technologies like blockchain, AI have transformed supply chains.

• Digital technologies serve as a catalyst for a more inclusive, sustainable and interconnected global economy.

Topics: e-commerce, digital technology, global trade logistics

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The role of the postal services in e-commerce especially in developing countries.

Supporting facts:

• E-commerce in developing countries is often a business of small parcels, overwhelming post offices.

• UPU has been a vital partner in this aspect.

Topics: e-commerce, developing countries, postal services

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About the Global Supply Chain Forum in Barbados.

Supporting facts:

• The first global supply chain forum is organised jointly with the government of Barbados.

• The forum aims to address supply chain challenges, including sustainable and resilient transport and logistics, digitalization, transport connectivity, and others.

Topics: Global Supply Chain Forum, trade logistics, Barbados

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Importance of trade facilitation and effective handling of logistics for e-commerce and digital economy.

Supporting facts:

• Carlos Guevara, the Chair of the WTO Committee on Trade Facilitation, is part of the panel discussion.

• Stephen Pope of DHL Group has helped countries with cross-border e-commerce.

Topics: trade facilitation, logistics, e-commerce

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Measurement of the e-commerce and the digital economy is important for policymaking

Supporting facts:

• E-commerce and digital economy is growing but its size and impact is yet not fully understood

• Lack of concrete measurements creates difficulties in policy making

Topics: e-commerce, digital economy, policy making

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Connectivity and skills development are key prerequisites for digital trade

Supporting facts:

• ICT infrastructure is no longer a luxury but a critical infrastructure for digital trade.

• Post offices in many developing countries still lack internet connectivity.

Topics: Digital Trade, Connectivity, Skills Development

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Report

The discussion focuses on the digital advancements in trade logistics, which have a positive impact on global trade and transport connectivity. These advancements aim to improve efficiency, transparency, and overall effectiveness in the movement of goods and information across the supply chain.

The argument is that the digital frontiers, such as advancements in digital tools and connectivity, are shaping the future of transport and trade facilitation. However, logistics remains the weakest link and the main difficulty in engaging in cross-border e-commerce. This is highlighted by the fact that out of 40 e-trade readiness assessments conducted by UNCTAD, logistics is identified as the main stumbling block.

Issues related to logistics prevent cross-border e-commerce and result in missed opportunities in export markets. It is clear that addressing logistics challenges is crucial for the growth and development of e-commerce. The importance of digital platforms and technology in enhancing global trade logistics is also emphasized.

Emerging technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence have transformed supply chains and are seen as catalysts for a more inclusive, sustainable, and interconnected global economy. The role of postal services, especially in developing countries, is highlighted as crucial for e-commerce.

In these countries, e-commerce often involves small parcels that can overwhelm post offices. The Universal Postal Union (UPU) is recognized as a vital partner in addressing this issue and facilitating e-commerce in developing countries. The first global supply chain forum, organized jointly with the government of Barbados, aims to address supply chain challenges.

These challenges include sustainable and resilient transport and logistics, digitalization, and transport connectivity. This forum is seen as an important platform to discuss and find solutions to these challenges. The importance of trade facilitation and effective handling of logistics for e-commerce and the digital economy is emphasized.

The panel discussion includes Carlos Guevara, the Chair of the WTO Committee on Trade Facilitation, and Stephen Pope of DHL Group, who has assisted countries with cross-border e-commerce. This highlights the recognition of the critical role logistics plays in ensuring smooth trade operations in the digital age.

Measurement of e-commerce and the digital economy is seen as important for policymaking. Currently, the size and impact of e-commerce and the digital economy are not fully understood due to a lack of concrete measurements. This lack of measurement creates difficulties in formulating effective policies and strategies.

The sharing of experiences and knowledge is considered crucial for a globally integrated digital economy and provides opportunities for trade. It is stressed that e-commerce measurements need to be shared across the world for better integration. Strong knowledge sharing can help everyone rise and open up opportunities for trade.

Connectivity and skills development are identified as key prerequisites for digital trade. It is noted that ICT infrastructure is no longer a luxury but a critical infrastructure for digital trade. However, many post offices in developing countries still lack internet connectivity, which hinders their participation in the digital world.

Overall, the analysis highlights the importance of digital advancements and effective logistics in shaping the future of global trade and transport connectivity. It underscores the challenges faced in cross-border e-commerce due to logistical issues and emphasizes the crucial role of postal services, especially in developing countries.

The need for measurement and sharing of experiences in e-commerce and the digital economy is emphasized. Lastly, the significance of connectivity and skills development in enabling digital trade is acknowledged, while also recognizing the digital divide that can leave countries and continents behind.

Arguments

Importance of narrowing the digital gap

Supporting facts:

• The World Chamber’s strategy for 2023-2025 is narrowing the digital gap

• ICC is promoting knowledge, learning, and enabling businesses to benefit from e-commerce

Topics: Digitalization, E-commerce

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Partnership with Google for expanding skills

Supporting facts:

• ICC, ITC, and Google have partnered to provide learning journey for about 1,000 SMEs in ASEAN region

• 75% of companies in the region need training on how to access the global market digitally

Topics: Google, ICT Skills, E-commerce

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DHL launched GoTrade at the beginning of the COVID pandemic to facilitate trade particularly in developing and least developed economies.

Supporting facts:

• GoTrade has two areas – trade advocacy and knowledge management

• DHL group is the world’s largest logistics company and is present in every country except one or a couple

Topics: Trade, Developing Economies, COVID-19

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DHL has a training program for SMEs where they teach them about global market opportunities, customs, borders, compliance etc.

Supporting facts:

• In three years of its operation, over 5,000 SMEs have been trained around the world

Topics: SMEs, Training Program, Market Opportunities

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Goal is for automation and paperless trade through these systems

Supporting facts:

• You can find them on GoTrade DHL, global business schools network

• It is easy to get involved by contacting regional CEOs and senior leaders

Topics: Automation, Paperless Trade

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Report

The World Chamber has developed a comprehensive strategy for the years 2023-2025, with a primary focus on narrowing the digital gap and promoting knowledge and learning in the field of e-commerce. This strategy aims to ensure that businesses across the globe can benefit from the opportunities that digitalization and online platforms offer.

By narrowing the digital gap, the World Chamber is striving to create a level playing field where businesses of all sizes and from all regions can compete and thrive. To achieve this goal, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has taken up the task of standardising data in the supply chain through its Digital Standards Initiative.

This initiative, based in Singapore and supported by the government of Singapore and the Asian Development Bank, aims to establish a set of standardised data protocols that can be accessible to all players in the supply chain. By ensuring that data is standardised and available for the right purposes, the ICC aims to streamline international trade and eliminate potential barriers caused by different data formats and systems.

In order to enhance the digital skills of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the ASEAN region, the ICC, International Trade Centre (ITC), and Google have joined forces to provide a learning journey for approximately 1,000 SMEs. This partnership recognises the increasing importance of digital skills in accessing and expanding into the global market.

With 75% of companies in the region requiring training on how to navigate the digital landscape, this initiative can help bridge the skills gap and empower SMEs to leverage e-commerce opportunities effectively. DHL, the world’s largest logistics company, has introduced GoTrade to facilitate trade, particularly in developing and least developed economies, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

GoTrade has two primary focuses: trade advocacy and knowledge management. By advocating for trade and promoting knowledge sharing, DHL aims to support economic growth and recovery in countries that have been heavily affected by the pandemic. The wide reach and presence of DHL across the globe make it a valuable facilitator of international trade.

Furthermore, DHL offers extensive training programmes for SMEs to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to capitalise on global market opportunities. Over the course of three years, more than 5,000 SMEs worldwide have benefited from these programmes, which cover crucial areas like customs, borders, compliance, and understanding market dynamics.

This training is designed to empower SMEs and enable them to expand their reach and compete effectively on the international stage. Additionally, DHL runs a fellowship programme in collaboration with business schools, where MBA students provide assistance to SMEs in running their businesses.

This unique initiative allows MBA students to apply their theoretical learning in a practical environment, while SMEs gain access to expertise and insights they may not typically have the resources to afford. The programme fosters long-term relationships between the MBA students and SMEs, often extending beyond the initial year of the fellowship.

DHL also aims to automate and promote paperless trade through its platforms. By embracing automation and advocating for paperless trade, DHL envisions a more efficient and environmentally friendly global trade system. Through the GoTrade DHL platform, along with the support of global business schools, interested parties can easily get involved in these initiatives by contacting regional CEOs and senior leaders.

In conclusion, the various initiatives and partnerships undertaken by the World Chamber, ICC, ITC, Google, and DHL highlight the importance of closing the digital gap, standardising data, and equipping SMEs with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the digital economy.

These efforts have the potential to promote inclusive economic growth, enhance global trade, and foster sustainable development. The engagement of various stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and educational institutions, is crucial for the successful implementation of these initiatives. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is imperative to ensure that all businesses have equal access to opportunities and resources in the digital age.

Arguments

Transparency is crucial in implementing new policies and regulations

Topics: Policy, Regulation

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Sectors like government services, financial, medical are sensitive and need to ensure policy space for storing data

Topics: Government Services, Financial Sector, Medical Sector, Data Localization

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Developing countries might have appetite to impose data localization requirement for digital realizations

Topics: Developing countries, Data Localization, Digital Realizations

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Emphasizes the importance of feedback loops in policy making.

Supporting facts:

• Investment approvals process initially encouraged data localization indiscriminately.

• Due to feedback, the process now offers more front-end planner to present their data management plans.

Topics: Policy making, Feedback loops

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Data localization measures have not impeded the economy that owns in market cap terms, two-thirds of the internet, which is U.S. big tech.

Supporting facts:

• U.S. big tech is surviving well despite these 100 data localization measures.

• They have an army of ex-diplomats and trade officials to navigate the complex bureaucratic requirements in countries.

Topics: Data localization measures, Economy, U.S. big tech

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An Australian trade negotiator would never argue against the unfairness of agricultural subsidies, because they approach trade negotiations from a position of equality.

Supporting facts:

• Australia is engaging in talks at the WTO which includes many developing and least developed countries.

Topics: Trade negotiations, Agricultural subsidies, Equality

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In parallel with digital economy rules, Australia is also working on a consumer protection rule that deals with redress questions and the misleading and deceptive activity on the internet.

Supporting facts:

• This consumer protection rule is the most ambitious Australia has ever committed to.

• It also involves giving information around goods sold on the internet, thereby aiming to improve the misleading and deceptive activity online.

Topics: Consumer protection, Digital economy rules, Internet

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Trade rules only targeting the most egregious data localization measures should consider the non-conforming measures for the services and investment chapters

Supporting facts:

• Non-Conforming Measures (NCMs) provide significant policy space not only for existing legislation and measures but also policy space in a variety of public policy areas such as health, education, investment screening

Topics: Trade Rules, Data Localization, Public Policy

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Negotiating in trade dynamics are felt more acutely in a bilateral negotiation rather than in a group negotiation environment

Supporting facts:

• Over two-thirds of the 90 members that are negotiating digital rules in WTO are developing countries, changing the overall power dynamics

Topics: Trade Negotiations, Bilateral Relations, Power Dynamics

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Report

Transparency is crucial in the implementation of new policies and regulations, especially in sectors like government services, finance, and healthcare that deal with sensitive data. It is important to ensure that these sectors have the necessary policy space for securely storing and managing data.

Developing countries, in their pursuit of digital advancements, may impose data localization requirements, meaning that data generated within their borders must be stored locally. Australia is a country that respects data localization measures. They hold childcare and healthcare records locally, demonstrating their commitment to protecting sensitive information.

Additionally, Australia focuses on minimizing barriers that hinder global trading by adopting rules on data localization to enhance trade. Australia values both non-binding norms and principles as well as binding rules. They have negotiated with countries like Singapore and the European Union to find common ground and achieve flexible and cooperative policy development.

Feedback loops are essential in the policy-making process. Australia emphasizes the importance of receiving input and learning from experiences to improve. Their investment approvals process has evolved to provide more opportunities for front-end planners to present their data management plans based on feedback.

Contrary to concerns, data localization measures have not significantly hindered the U.S. big tech economy, which holds two-thirds of the internet’s market cap. These companies have effectively navigated the complex bureaucratic requirements in different countries with the help of their resources, including ex-diplomats and trade officials.

In trade negotiations, Australia advocates for equality and engages in talks at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to address issues such as unfair agricultural subsidies. They are committed to achieving fair and equitable trade agreements. Consumer protection is another priority for Australia.

They are working on rules to combat deceptive online activities and improve the transparency of goods sold on the internet. Their ambitious consumer protection initiatives aim to enhance the overall online shopping experience and address concerns about misleading practices. Trade rules often target severe data localization measures, but it is important to consider non-conforming measures (NCMs) that allow significant policy space in areas such as health, education, and investment screening.

By taking these measures into account, trade rules can strike a balance between data localization concerns and broader public policy objectives. Power dynamics in trade negotiations are changing, with developing countries representing over two-thirds of the members involved in negotiating digital rules at the WTO.

This shift highlights the need to consider a broader range of perspectives and priorities in trade discussions. Lastly, persistence and ongoing engagement are crucial in the negotiation process to achieve visible outcomes. Group dynamics in negotiations provide more opportunities and a better understanding of different policy dimensions.

In conclusion, transparency, respect for data localization measures, minimizing trade barriers, and a commitment to equality and consumer protection are key aspects of Australia’s approach. By embracing both binding rules and non-binding norms, and actively seeking feedback and input, Australia strives for effective and well-rounded policy-making in the global context.

Arguments

Data localization and data flows should not be written language in trade agreements

Supporting facts:

• Risks of such language pertaining to data in trade deals exacerbating imbalances of power and resources between countries

• Current complexity and lack of understanding surrounding data issues

• Example of disproportionate agricultural subsidies highlighting how complexity often works against less powerful countries

Topics: Data Localization, Trade Agreements

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The regulation of data and its flow needs to be nuanced

Supporting facts:

• Different types of data have different imperatives

• Current evolution of dialogue towards more nuanced understanding of data and its flow

Topics: Regulation, Data Flows

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Lack of transparency and enforcement in terms of data use

Supporting facts:

• The regulations and policies are not efficient enough

• Data handling often remains unknown until there’s a data breach or whistleblower interference

• The Information Commissioner’s Office in the UK recently tried to fine Clearview AI over the breach of GDPR

Topics: Data privacy, Transparency, Enforcement, Data breach

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The necessity of improvement in transparency of data treatment

Supporting facts:

• Accountability issue mentioned by Amy

• Problem with breaches occurring in another jurisdiction

Topics: Data privacy, Transparency, Data treatment

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Challenges of cross-border enforcement and consumer redress

Supporting facts:

• Issue with jurisdiction – local courts ruling ICO didn’t have jurisdiction over a breach case as the data had been used in a third territory

Topics: Cross-border enforcement, Consumer redress, Data privacy

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Need for more discussions with technologists to enable data flows of non-private data

Supporting facts:

• The speaker mentioned that while privacy-enhancing technologies are becoming more integrated in certain arrangements, data sorting still presents a huge difficulty.

• The speaker is a policy fellow and a lawyer in Geneva raising the topic on technology and digital trade in question.

Topics: Digital Trade, Privacy, Data Localization, Technology

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Data localization rules could infringe upon privacy

Supporting facts:

• Daniel Rangel disputed the notion that only the most egregious forms of data localization are targeted by trade rules

• He suggested that all categories of data localization could potentially be deemed illegal under certain trade rule proposals and models, such as the TPP and JSI, and even the EU model

• Daniel raised the concern that a panel could then decide on whether a democratically decided policy is necessary and if it’s the least trade-restrictive alternative, which may compel a country to amend its own policies

Topics: trade rules, JSI, EU privacy regulations

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Technological development should be taken into account in trade negotiations

Supporting facts:

• Economy is more likely to shift to digital economy.

• More SMEs are likely to become digital SMEs.

• SMEs would require diversity of digital technology to innovate and scale across the region.

Topics: trade negotiations, technological development, SMEs, digital economy

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Different stages of countries should be considered in trade negotiations

Supporting facts:

• Question was raised by people from Kenya

Topics: trade negotiations, development stages

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Report

During the discussion, several key points regarding data localization, data flows, and data privacy in trade agreements were explored. One argument focused on the potential risks of including language pertaining to data localization and data flows in trade agreements. It was highlighted that such language could exacerbate power imbalances between countries.

The complexity and lack of understanding surrounding data issues were also cited as contributing factors. To illustrate this point, the example of disproportionate agricultural subsidies was given, demonstrating how complexity often works against less powerful countries. On the other hand, there was a call for more nuanced regulation of data and its flow.

It was emphasised that different types of data have different imperatives, necessitating a more nuanced understanding of how data should be regulated. The evolving dialogue towards this more nuanced understanding was highlighted as a positive development. Concerns were raised about the lack of transparency and enforcement in terms of data use.

It was stated that regulations and policies in place are not efficient enough, and data handling often remains unknown until there is a data breach or whistleblower interference. The recent example of the Information Commissioner’s Office in the UK attempting to fine Clearview AI over a breach of GDPR was mentioned as evidence of this problem.

The necessity for improvement in the transparency of data treatment was also highlighted. The issue of accountability, as mentioned by one of the speakers, was emphasised, as well as the problem of breaches occurring in another jurisdiction. Furthermore, challenges in terms of cross-border enforcement and consumer redress were raised.

There was a specific mention of a case where local courts ruled that the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) did not have jurisdiction over a breach because the data had been used in a third territory. The discussion also touched on the need for more discussions with technologists to ensure the enabling of data flows of non-private data.

Although privacy-enhancing technologies were acknowledged as a starting point, there was a call for more comprehensive security measures over data transfers, which could involve technological inputs. One speaker disputed the notion that only the most extreme forms of data localisation are targeted by trade rules.

It was suggested that all categories of data localisation could potentially be deemed illegal under certain trade rule proposals and models. This raised concerns about privacy infringement. The power dynamics in digital trade negotiations were highlighted as having the potential to disadvantage certain countries, particularly those in the Global South.

Despite knowing the value they bring to the negotiation table, other factors may still place them at a disadvantage. The example of Kenya was cited, where pressure is being exerted to change laws to allow free flows of health data, despite the country’s existing law allowing for data localisation in the health sector.

The importance of considering technological development in trade negotiations was underscored. It was noted that as the economy shifts to a digital economy, more small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are likely to become digital SMEs. In order for these SMEs to innovate and scale, diverse digital technology needs to be taken into account in negotiations.

Lastly, the necessity of incorporating a “necessity test” for language on legitimate public policy (LPP) or language in the Trade in Pharmaceutical Products (TPTP) context was emphasised. This point was raised as a common question from members. In conclusion, the discussion highlighted the various complexities and challenges surrounding data localisation, data flows, and data privacy in trade agreements.

While there were arguments for the regulation of data and nuanced understanding, there were also concerns about transparency, enforcement, and the potential infringement upon privacy. The power dynamics in digital trade negotiations and the importance of considering technological development were also acknowledged.

The need for improvement in mechanisms for transparency, enforcement, and consumer redress was emphasised, as well as the consideration of different stages of countries in trade negotiations. Overall, the discussion underscored the importance of finding a balance between promoting data flows and protecting data privacy in trade agreements.

Arguments

Data localization raises compliance costs, creates due diligence obligations, and restricts access to key digital tools

Supporting facts:

• New cybersecurity mandate in certain regions requires localization of all citizen data forcing companies to overhaul their digital infrastructure

• Indonesia’s recent amendment of GR71 requires personal identifiable information to be stored in government data centers, creating challenges for small businesses

Topics: Data Localization, Data Protection, Cybersecurity

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Importance of transparency and certainty for businesses

Supporting facts:

• Certainty allows businesses to plan and strategize

• Sudden policy changes can threaten business sustainability

• Limited response time impacts SMEs ability to provide valuable input during consultation processes

Topics: trade policy, digital agreements, consultations, SMEs

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Data localization requirements pose a compliance burden on small medium enterprises

Supporting facts:

• Even if the requirement is just a copy stored locally, this is still an additional compliance burden on a lot of small medium enterprises.

• It could incur additional costs and shrink profit margins.

Topics: Data Localization, Compliance Burden, Small Medium Enterprises

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Report

Data localization has become a major concern for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Southeast Asia. Recent cybersecurity mandates, like Indonesia’s amendment of GR71, requiring storing personal identifiable information in government data centers, have posed challenges for SMEs. These challenges include increased compliance costs, due diligence obligations, and restricted access to digital tools.

Consequently, the sentiment around data localization is mostly negative. To address SME concerns, policymakers need to engage with them to understand their limitations and worries regarding data localization. SMEs do not seek to avoid regulations but require advance notice and consultation during the regulation-making process.

The withdrawal of a draft executive order on data localization in the Philippines highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement and consultation. Transparency and certainty are crucial for effective business planning and sustainability. Abrupt policy changes can harm businesses, including SMEs.

Therefore, greater transparency in the regulatory process and clear guidance for businesses are needed. Improvements in the consultation process, particularly for SMEs, are necessary. Limited response time and abrupt consultations hinder SMEs from providing valuable input. Southeast Asian governments have room for improvement, ensuring SMEs have sufficient time and resources for effective participation.

Data localization requirements burden SMEs with compliance costs and shrink profit margins. Even if it is just a copy stored locally, it still adds to the compliance burden. SMEs have to allocate additional resources to comply, impacting their profitability. In conclusion, data localization has significant implications for SMEs in Southeast Asia.

Policymakers must engage with SMEs to understand their concerns. Transparency, certainty, and improved consultation processes are necessary. However, the compliance burden on SMEs should be acknowledged. Considering these aspects will facilitate a smoother transition to data localization and better support SMEs in the digital age.

Arguments

Data is a lifeblood of the digital economy

Supporting facts:

• The seamless flow of information achieves economies of scale, resulting in greater efficiency and economic gains

Topics: Data flow, Digital economy, Cloud computing

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Data gains much value when applied to solve specific problems

Supporting facts:

• When data flows, it supports new products, business models, and industries

Topics: Data utilization, Problem solving

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Cloud computing can democratize access to technology

Supporting facts:

• Companies can have access to essential tools and data needed to leverage technologies like AI through the cloud

Topics: Cloud computing, Democratization, Access to technology

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Data localization can undermine cybersecurity

Supporting facts:

• Data localization can prevent sharing of data to prevent IT system vulnerabilities and help firms detect cyberattacks

• Data localization undermines best practices like sharding, improving security, and resilience

Topics: Data localization, Cybersecurity

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Trust and understanding of new technologies are essential factors in implementing data localization measures

Supporting facts:

• Many barriers are driven by a lack of digital trust and understanding of new technologies

• Measures put in place are often not fit for purpose, undermining stated policy objectives

Topics: Trust, Understanding, New technologies, Data localization

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Trade policy or trade agreements should not be an end for in and of itself, it should be used as a means to an end. It should be employed thinking about different policy considerations and priorities which varies from country to country.

Supporting facts:

• Larger countries with exisitng infrastructure may have different calculations to those of smaller countries when it comes to cost of data localization.

Topics: Trade Policy, Trade Agreements

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Different developing countries have different circumstances affecting trade agreements.

Supporting facts:

• The value of having a certain rule in trade agreements can vary depending on the country and their situation.

Topics: Trade Agreement, Developing Countries

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Digital agreements are important for technological cooperation and interoperability

Supporting facts:

• Singapore and Australia have pioneered digital agreements

• These agreements involve more than just rules, they also facilitate technological cooperation

• Interoperability in using new technologies is being promoted through these agreements

Topics: Digital Technology, Trade Agreements

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Report

Data plays a crucial role in the digital economy as it enables the seamless flow of information, leading to greater efficiency and economic gains. The availability of data allows businesses to achieve economies of scale and optimize their operations. Furthermore, data gains significant value when it is applied to solve specific problems.

By leveraging data, companies can develop new products, business models, and industries, contributing to the growth and innovation of the digital economy. Cloud computing is another important aspect of the digital economy as it can democratize access to technology. Through the cloud, companies can have access to essential tools and data needed to leverage technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).

This accessibility promotes inclusivity and reduces inequalities, allowing businesses of all sizes to harness the potential of advanced technologies. However, the practice of data localization can pose challenges to the digital economy. Data localization refers to the requirement for data to be stored within a specific geographic location.

While this measure aims to protect data and prevent vulnerabilities in IT systems, it can undermine cybersecurity. Data localization prevents the sharing of data across borders, limiting the ability to detect and prevent cyberattacks. Moreover, it undermines best practices like sharding, which distribute data across multiple locations to enhance security and resilience.

Trust and understanding of new technologies are essential factors in implementing data localization measures. Many barriers to the flow of data are driven by a lack of digital trust and understanding of new technologies. Measures put in place to regulate data flows are often not fit for purpose and can hinder policy objectives.

Therefore, building trust and promoting digital literacy are crucial in developing effective data localization strategies. Instead of restricting data flows through measures like data localization, it is important to promote accountability and implement high data protection standards. This approach ensures that data can flow securely and be trusted by users and businesses.

It is essential that these measures meet policy objectives, are interoperable, and do not impose undue costs on businesses. By prioritizing security and data protection, the digital economy can thrive while maintaining the necessary safeguards. When it comes to trade policy and agreements, it is important to consider the diverse priorities and circumstances of different countries.

Larger countries with existing infrastructure may have different calculations when it comes to the cost and benefits of data localization compared to smaller countries. Trade negotiations should be based on consultation processes that involve stakeholders and increase awareness of the rules associated with entering new markets.

This certainty provided by trade rules enables businesses to plan and make entries into new markets, stimulating economic growth. Flexibility in data localization rules is necessary to accommodate the specific needs and circumstances of each country. The implementation of data localization should take into account the potential benefits it can bring, such as enabling exports of digital industries.

It is essential for countries to gather all necessary input before entering negotiations and ensure that the safeguards in place are suitable and effective. It is worth noting that big companies may not be significantly impacted by data localization, while smaller businesses can benefit by lowering their costs and entering new markets.

Digital agreements are crucial for technological cooperation and interoperability. Countries like Singapore and Australia have pioneered digital agreements that go beyond just setting rules. These agreements also facilitate cooperation and interoperability in using new technologies. Promoting interoperability allows different systems and technologies to work together seamlessly, enhancing the scalability and efficiency of digital processes.

Lastly, there is a growing appetite for new technologies and trade agreements. In the ASEAN region, digital payments have gained significant traction, and a few countries have collaborated on developing interoperable QR codes, which have proven to be successful pilots for new technologies.

This demonstrates the willingness of countries to embrace innovation and explore opportunities for collaboration in the digital economy. In conclusion, data is the lifeblood of the digital economy, driving efficiency, innovation, and economic gains. While data localization may have potential drawbacks, promoting accountability and high data protection standards can ensure secure and trusted data flows.

Trade policy should take into account the diverse priorities and circumstances of different countries, with consultation processes leading to better trade negotiations and market entries. Flexibility in data localization rules is crucial, and digital agreements facilitate technological cooperation and interoperability.

The appetite for new technologies and trade agreements is growing, as demonstrated by the success of digital payments and QR code technology in the ASEAN region.

Arguments

Data localization is defined as explicit requirements that data be stored and/or processed within domestic territory.

Supporting facts:

• Data localization measures are either on financial sectors, public sector, telecommunication, and cloud computing, with only 32% applying in a cross-cutting way.

Topics: Data Localization, Digital Policy

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Data localization measures increase operational costs.

Supporting facts:

• A survey showed local storage requirements lead to about an increase of 16% in data management costs.

Topics: Data Localization, Business Costs

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Many businesses perceive data localization skeptically.

Supporting facts:

• Businesses believe that data localization does not necessarily enable domestic innovation, increased privacy protection, or increased data security.

Topics: Data Localization, Business Perception

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Most restrictive form of data localization is evolving fastest.

Supporting facts:

• Two-thirds of the measures in place by the beginning of 2023 are the most restrictive form of data localization.

Topics: Data Localization, Digital Policy

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It’s important to find a balance between the policy space for data localization and the free flow of data.

Supporting facts:

• Javier believes that government needs to ask themselves: what is the policy objective they’re trying to achieve and if data localization is the right policy?

• Trade language like ‘proportionate’, ‘non-discriminatory’, ‘least trade restrictive’ can be very useful in ensuring a balance.

• His viewpoint seems to revolve around the idea that data localization measures should be proportional to the sensitivity of the data.

Topics: data localization, trade negotiations, policy making

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Trade agreements play an important role in data localization and data flow

Supporting facts:

• There is a correlation between an increase in data localization measures and data localization provisions in trade agreements

• Trade agreements can provide flexibility for countries to tackle legitimate public policy objectives while maintaining open markets

Topics: Data localization, Trade agreements, Data flow

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Data localization measures should be balanced and not restrictive to open markets

Supporting facts:

• Some data localization measures are seen as excessive for achieving their objectives

• There are examples of countries that have privacy regulation without ring-fencing all data

Topics: Data localization, Open markets, Privacy regulation

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Fascination with the idea of federated learning in artificial intelligence

Supporting facts:

• Federated learning implies that the algorithm is transferred to different places instead of transferring the data

• The need to find a middle ground between fully open and fully closed data sharing mechanisms

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Federated Learning

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Report

Data localization measures, which require data to be stored and processed within a country’s borders, have been implemented in various sectors, including finance, public services, telecommunications, and cloud computing. However, only 32% of these measures apply in a cross-cutting manner. The impact of data localization measures is debated, with proponents arguing that they can promote domestic innovation, privacy protection, and data security.

However, businesses are skeptical about these benefits. It is worth noting that the most restrictive form of data localization measures is evolving rapidly. On the other hand, there are concerns about the negative consequences of these measures. Operational costs can increase due to local storage requirements, and data localization can pose risks to cybersecurity and data resilience.

To strike a balance between data localization and the free flow of data, policymakers should carefully consider the policy objectives they aim to achieve. Trade agreements play a crucial role in addressing data localization while maintaining open markets. Alternative solutions, such as federated learning and digital economy agreements, can promote greater data sharing without compromising privacy.

Overall, data localization measures require thoughtful implementation, taking into account various factors and considerations.

Arguments

Data localization is one of the most important and contentious topics in digital policy making

Supporting facts:

• Data localization is a complex issue in the digital trade

• It has been the subject of numerous policy debates

Topics: Data localization, Digital Policy, Data Policy

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The panel is consisted of expertise from various backgrounds including international organizations, industry associations, tech companies, and policymakers

Supporting facts:

• Panel features Mr.Javier Lopez-Gonzalez from the OECD, Mr. Hadley Sopley from Amazon Web Services, Mr. Gareth Tang from the Coalition for Digital Propensity for Asia and Ms. Amy Stewart from the Australian Mission to the WTO in Geneva

Topics: International Cooperation, Policy Making, Digital Trade

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The necessity test of data flow or data localization requirement is a crucial part of negotiations

Supporting facts:

• Everything is determined through negotiations.

Topics: Data flow, Data localization requirement, Negotiations

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There’s a variety of data localization requirements, some mandating data to be only installed in a certain country while in other examples, the data should be stored in that country, but a copy should also be stored in other countries.

Supporting facts:

• Data localization requirement that requests enterprises to have a copy of the data within the country.

• There is certain flexibility for data localization requirement.

Topics: Data Localization, Data Regulation

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Data localization requirements need to be implemented in a clear, objective, and transparent manner.

Supporting facts:

• Policy side has reason to implement data localization.

• From business side, data localization is sometimes required but needs to be clear and transparent in regulatory context.

Topics: Data Localization, Compliance

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Data localization issues need to be negotiated in a trade agreement context.

Supporting facts:

• Sees value and limitation in having data localization in trade agreements.

• Suggests collaboration for better combination in dealing with specific issues like data localization.

Topics: Data Localization, Trade Agreement

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Report

Data localisation is a complex and contentious issue in digital policy-making, with numerous debates and policy discussions surrounding it. The panel on this topic consists of experts from various backgrounds, including international organisations, industry associations, tech companies, and policymakers. This diverse group of participants brings together different perspectives and expertise to address the challenges of data localisation.

The necessity test of data flow or data localisation requirements is a crucial component of negotiations. This test helps determine whether data should be allowed to flow freely across borders or whether it should be stored and processed locally. Understanding the positions of those advocating for strong policy space, such as privacy, is vital in shaping effective data localisation regulations.

There is a variety of data localisation requirements, ranging from mandating data to be stored solely in a specific country to requiring a copy of the data to be stored in multiple countries. The implementation of these requirements should be clear, objective, and transparent to ensure compliance and avoid misunderstandings.

The choice of data localisation measures depends on the policy objective. Some measures aim to restrict access to data from other governments, while others seek to ensure that the government has access to its own data. Identifying the policy objective is crucial in determining the appropriate approach.

Several factors need to be considered when discussing data localisation, including security interests and economic benefits. It is essential to evaluate these factors from both domestic and international perspectives to create effective and efficient regulations. Trade agreements also play a role in addressing data localisation issues.

While there are both value and limitations in including data localisation provisions in trade agreements, collaboration is necessary to find the best approach and deal with specific challenges. In conclusion, data localisation is a complex and important topic in digital policy-making.

It requires careful consideration of various factors, including policy objectives, security interests, economic benefits, and international collaboration. Clear and transparent regulations, based on empirical research and understanding of different viewpoints, are necessary to address the challenges posed by data localisation.

Arguments

Electronic transactions are complex and can refer to different aspects

Supporting facts:

• Electronic transactions can refer to the conclusion of the contract, communications between the parties, delivery of something in digital form, and even digitalization of upstream processes.

Topics: Electronic Commerce, Harmonization of Commercial Law

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The organization focuses on electronic transactions

Topics: Electronic Commerce, Electronic Transactions

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Ancetro does not develop its own metrics for digital economy, instead, they look to UNCTAD for those metrics

Supporting facts:

• Ancetro is also working on the roles for the digital trade, but its role does not involve developing metrics

Topics: Digital Economy, UNCTAD, Metrics, Ancetro

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Digital economy means traders engaging with one another electronically or using digital means

Supporting facts:

• UNCTRAL started looking into electronic transactions 30 years ago

• the online component came in the 1990s with people using internet technologies for forming those electronic transactions

• digital platforms and digital ecosystems are the new phase

Topics: digital economy, trade, electronic transactions, UNCTRAL

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Stresses and strains appear on the existing legal framework due to the evolution from electronic transactions to digital platforms

Supporting facts:

• Electronic transactions have been regulated by 30-year-old legislation

• New ecosystems are forming questioning the relevance of existing commercial law system

Topics: digital platforms, UNCTRAL, legislation, electronic transactions

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Report

The organisation has been focusing on electronic transactions and electronic commerce for the past 30 years, particularly with the advancements in technology. This shows their commitment to staying up-to-date with the current trends and developments in this field. The technological advancements have played a significant role in shaping the landscape of electronic commerce.

The organisation recognises the complexity of electronic transactions, which can refer to different aspects such as the conclusion of contracts, communications between parties, delivery of digital content, and the digitalization of upstream processes. To accurately measure the impact of the digital economy, ANCETRO, a component of the organisation, is working on developing metrics.

However, it is important to note that ANCETRO does not develop its own metrics for the digital economy but instead looks to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) for those metrics. This collaboration with UNCTAD reflects the organisation’s commitment to working together with other entities to achieve their goals.

Concerns exist about the existing legal framework for electronic transactions, as the emergence of digital platforms has questioned the relevance of the current commercial law system. The organisation stresses the need to regulate these platforms and monitor the operators, particularly from a business-to-business perspective.

They are interested in any legislation that applies to regulating platform operators, as it is crucial for ensuring fair and efficient transactions in the digital economy. Furthermore, the organisation has a positive outlook on the ongoing collaboration between UNCTAD and China.

A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Ministry of Commerce of China and UNCTAD, indicating a strong partnership between the two. China, being a member state of UNCTAD, has been instrumental in sharing its digital developments and legislation, which has greatly contributed to the development of new texts in this field.

In conclusion, the organisation has dedicated significant attention to electronic transactions and electronic commerce, especially in light of the current technological advancements. They have collaborated with UNCTAD and China to develop metrics for the digital economy and learn from their digital developments and legislation.

However, the existing legal framework for electronic transactions faces challenges due to the evolution towards digital platforms. The organisation emphasises the importance of regulating these platforms and monitoring their operators to ensure fair and efficient transactions in the digital economy.

Arguments

Invitation to join Global Digital Economy Conference and think tank on development of Beijing’s digital economy

Supporting facts:

• The invitation came from the Director General of the Beijing Municipal Bureau on the Information and Economy

• The think-tank will consist of 15-20 people

Topics: Digital Economy, Conference, Think-tank, Beijing

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Company developing digital figures is a subsidiary of China Mobile

Supporting facts:

• The company specializes in mobile network content development and service

Topics: Digital Figures, China Mobile

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Audience asking for clarification on ‘offline transactions’

Topics: Offline Transactions

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Electronic commerce is interconnected with the harmonization of commercial law, which needs to be addressed for both online and offline transactions.

Supporting facts:

• Ancetral has been looking into the harmonization of commercial law for 30 years.

• The organization is currently focusing on electronic transactions due to technological advancements.

Topics: Electronic commerce, Commercial law, Online transactions, Offline transactions

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Clarity on the measurement of the digital economy’s contribution in global GDP

Supporting facts:

• Singapore’s estimate states that the digital economy is 17% of Singapore’s GDP

• China’s estimate states that it’s half of China’s GDP

Topics: Digital Economy, Global GDP

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regulating large digital players and preventing unfair competition

Supporting facts:

• Alibaba, a major platform, is mentioned as an example of a large player in the digital market

Topics: E-commerce, Market Regulation

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Discussion on international cooperation and China’s role in the WTO on digital trade

Supporting facts:

• Question on China’s position and aim in WTO space, JSI and E-commerce

Topics: International Trade, E-commerce

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The US representative has pulled back some longstanding positions in the WTO GSI

Supporting facts:

• Recent announcement made by US representative

Topics: WTO GSI, US foreign policy

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Report

The Global Digital Economy Conference and think tank have extended an invitation to join their efforts in developing Beijing’s digital economy. The think tank, comprising 15-20 individuals, aims to actively contribute to the advancement of the digital sector. Meanwhile, a subsidiary of China Mobile is engaged in the development of digital figures, focusing on mobile network content development and service.

During the conference, there was a discussion around the concept of “offline transactions,” and the audience sought clarification on its meaning. The topic of electronic commerce and the harmonisation of commercial law surfaced, highlighting the need to address legal frameworks for both online and offline transactions.

Ancetral, an organisation with a 30-year history of studying commercial law, emphasised the interconnectedness of e-commerce and the harmonisation of commercial law in light of technological advancements. Notably, China and other major economies are spearheading a movement away from the global internet towards alternative web platforms.

This shift could potentially have far-reaching consequences and reshape the digital landscape. Additionally, the conference examined the contribution of the digital economy to global GDP, with estimates suggesting that it constitutes a significant portion of Singapore and China’s GDP. The regulation of large digital players to prevent unfair competition was a key argument made during the conference.

The example of Alibaba, a major platform in the digital market, was cited to illustrate the necessity of market regulation in this context. Furthermore, the discussion also delved into international cooperation and China’s role in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) regarding digital trade.

Specifically, questions arose about China’s position and objectives within the WTO space, particularly on the issues of Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) and e-commerce. The recent announcement by the US representative regarding changes in the World Trade Organisation General Council (WTO GSI) sparked interest, prompting the audience to inquire about China’s perspective on these developments.

Speculation arose regarding China’s stance, and it was noted that some US tech companies and their allies believe these changes may benefit China. Overall, the conference provided valuable insights into the development of Beijing’s digital economy, the impact of the digital landscape on global GDP, the necessity of market regulation, and the significance of international cooperation within the WTO framework.

Arguments

Offline transactions refer to physical purchase methods

Supporting facts:

• Offline transactions mean you have to go to the restaurant to buy food

Topics: Offline transactions, E-commerce

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Report

Offline transactions refer to traditional physical purchase methods, where consumers have to physically visit a restaurant or establishment to buy food. On the other hand, online transactions have revolutionized the way consumers can purchase food by allowing them to do so through online platforms.

This evolution from offline to online transactions is seen in a positive light, highlighting the convenience and efficiency it brings to consumers. The positive stance towards the evolution of offline transactions to online systems suggests that people are embracing the convenience and accessibility provided by online platforms.

With online transactions, consumers can now conveniently browse through menus, place orders, and make payments from the comfort of their own homes. This eliminates the need for physical travel and saves time and effort for consumers. The availability of online platforms also allows for greater choice and variety for consumers.

They can explore a wider range of restaurants and food options, browsing through different menus and reviews to make informed choices. This increased competition among restaurants also promotes innovation and improvement in their menus and services, further enhancing the overall consumer experience.

Moreover, the shift towards online transactions aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. This sustainable development goal encourages the promotion of inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, innovation, and the development of robust infrastructure. The evolution from offline to online transactions plays a part in achieving this goal by utilising technology and digital platforms to improve the efficiency and accessibility of the food purchasing process.

While the positive stance towards the evolution of offline transactions is notable, it is important to recognise that offline transactions still hold significance in certain contexts. Some consumers may prefer the traditional method of physically visiting a restaurant to enjoy the experience, ambiance, and social interactions associated with dining out.

Additionally, offline transactions may provide employment opportunities for individuals within the restaurant industry. In conclusion, the evolution from offline to online transactions in the context of purchasing food has garnered a positive reception, as it offers consumers convenience, choice, and efficiency.

This shift aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure and promotes the use of technology and digital platforms to enhance the overall consumer experience. However, it is necessary to acknowledge that offline transactions still hold value in certain situations and can provide unique social and employment aspects.

Arguments

China’s digital economy is rapidly growing

Supporting facts:

• China is the second largest digital economy in the world

• The scale of China’s digital economy reached 50.2 trillion RMB yuan in 2022

• The digital economy in China grew by 10.3% year-on-year

• China’s digital economy accounts for 41.5% of the world’s GDP

Topics: Digital Economy, Global Economy

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The OPCW has done a lot in promoting global digital economy cooperation

Supporting facts:

• The OPCW has written digital economy reports, held digital economy week activities, held e-commerce and digital economy government-to-government expert meetings, implemented e-commerce and digital economy technical cooperation projects

Topics: OPCW, Digital Economy Cooperation, Promotion

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The China Long-Term Investment Renewable Energy Representative Group is in charge of communication and communication with the E-Commerce and the Digital Economy.

Supporting facts:

• The successful holding of the forum of the Polytechnic University is a successful implementation of the cooperation with the E-Commerce and the Digital Economy.

Topics: E-Commerce, Digital Economy

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Report

China’s digital economy is experiencing rapid growth, cementing its position as the second largest in the world. In 2022, the scale of China’s digital economy reached an impressive 50.2 trillion RMB yuan, with a year-on-year growth rate of 10.3%. Furthermore, China’s digital economy now contributes 41.5% of the world’s GDP, highlighting its significant global impact.

Recognizing the importance of openness and cooperation, China and more than 10 countries have initiated the One Belt, One Road Digital Economy International Cooperation Summit. This emphasises the role of collaboration in advancing the global digital economy. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has actively promoted global digital economy cooperation through various initiatives, including e-commerce and digital economy technical cooperation projects, digital economy week activities, and expert meetings.

China acknowledges the OPCW’s efforts and expresses its willingness to deepen cooperation. The successful forum held by the Polytechnic University exemplifies effective collaboration between e-commerce, the digital economy, and the Long-Term Investment Group. This event strengthens ties between the Chinese academic community and international digital economy organizations.

The Long-Term Investment Group acts as a bridge, facilitating exchange and dialogue between stakeholders. In summary, China’s digital economy has experienced significant growth and contributes significantly to global GDP. The emphasis on openness and cooperation, demonstrated through initiatives like the One Belt, One Road Digital Economy International Cooperation Summit, highlights the importance of collaboration in the digital economy’s development.

The OPCW’s efforts in promoting cooperation and the successful partnership between the Polytechnic University and the Long-Term Investment Group further exemplify effective collaboration in driving the digital economy forward.

Arguments

China’s digital economy is the second largest in the world and continues to grow

Supporting facts:

• In 2022, the scale of China’s digital economy reached 50.2 trillion RMB yuan, growing by 10.3% year-on-year and accounting for 41.5% of the world’s GDP

Topics: Digital Economy, Global Economy

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China values international cooperation in the digital economy and multilateral digital economy governance

Supporting facts:

• China proposed Global Data Security Initiative in 2022 and it drew international attention

• China, along with more than 10 countries, initiated the Beijing Initiative on Belt and Road Digital Economy International Cooperation

Topics: Global Data Security Initiative, Digital Economy Cooperation

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OCTET has significantly contributed in promoting global digital economy cooperation

Supporting facts:

• OCTET has compiled digital economy reports

• OCTET has held e-commerce and digital economy government-to-government expert meetings

• OCTET implemented technical collaboration projects of E-Commerce and the Digital Economy

Topics: Digital Economy, Global Cooperation

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Beijing Institute of Technology successfully organized a forum on digital economy

Supporting facts:

• The Economic and Trade Section of the Permanent Mission of China to Geneva will continue to play a bridging role between the university and UNCTAD

• The goal is to promote exchange on the topic of digital economy between Chinese academia and international organizations

Topics: Beijing Institute of Technology, Digital Economy, International cooperation

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Beijing is seeking global participation for the development of its digital economy

Supporting facts:

• The Director General of the Beijing Municipal Bureau on the Information and Economy extended an invitation for global participation

• The Beijing municipal government is looking for contributions to its Global Think Tank for the Beijing Digital Economy Development

Topics: Global Think Tank, Digital Economy, Global Digital Economy Conference

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The possibility of interaction with the company that developed the digital figure

Supporting facts:

• The company, solely owned by China Mobile, specializes in mobile network content development and service

• The company has contributed to the digital transformation in China

Topics: Digital Transformation, Digital Figure, China Mobile

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Encourages sharing of achievements and insights in the digital economy

Supporting facts:

• Alex from Ancetral is encouraged to share achievements during the Q&A

• Ongoing work could provide inspiration

Topics: Digital Economy, International Trade

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There needs to be a common standard measurement to measure the digital economy

Supporting facts:

• The calculation of GDP or the contribution of a digital economy to the GDP is currently complicated and needs more understanding

• Different economies have different measurements making it hard to interpret the digital economy in another country

• UNCTAD is also working on the measurement of a digital economy

Topics: Digital economy, GDP, UNCTAD

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China is encouraging more competition in the digital market

Supporting facts:

• China is diversifying platforms for digital trade

• China is working towards letting the roles of small to medium enterprises have an opportunity to play in the market

• China is using regulatory power to regulate and punish unbehaving bigger players

Topics: Digital economy, Alibaba, Digital trade, Competition

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Changes in USTR’s stance towards the WTO GSI is seen as a potential opportunity.

Supporting facts:

• The US representative retrieved some long-term US positions in the WTO GSI.

• LIU Hao sees these changes as potential opportunities for negotiation and the establishment of a new balance.

Topics: US-China Relations, Trade, WTO

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Report

China’s digital economy is not only one of the largest in the world but also continues to grow. In 2022, it reached an impressive scale of 50.2 trillion RMB yuan, accounting for 41.5% of the world’s GDP. China actively participates in international rule-making and standard-setting in the digital domain, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation and multilateral digital economy governance.

China appreciates the efforts of OCTET, an organization that promotes global digital economy cooperation, and seeks to deepen collaboration in the digital economy. They also value partnerships between academic institutions and international organizations to enhance cooperation in this field. China actively seeks global participation for the development of its digital economy and invites contributions to its Global Think Tank for the Beijing Digital Economy Development.

They acknowledge the need for a common standard measurement to understand the digital economy and support the ongoing work by UNCTAD in this area. Furthermore, China encourages competition in the digital market by diversifying platforms for digital trade and ensuring opportunities for small to medium enterprises.

They also express dissatisfaction with the fragmented nature of global governance in the digital economy and emphasize the importance of reform, particularly within the World Trade Organization. China’s approach in the digital economy is characterized by a focus on global cooperation rather than seeking dominance.

They prioritize working together to create a better world, rejecting the pursuit of power or dominance. This aligns with their commitment to the sustainable development goals. Overall, China’s digital economy is influential and growing rapidly. They actively engage in global cooperation, appreciate efforts for collaboration, and seek to enhance partnerships in the digital economy.

Their approach emphasizes competition, the need for a common measurement standard, and the importance of global governance reform.

Arguments

China’s decision-making level proposes a two-cycle development concept

Supporting facts:

• The concept focuses on domestic economic circulation and international circulation and double circulation

• New development capabilities are looked upon to make the concept a reality

Topics: China’s Digital Economy, Economic Circulation

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Digital economy is crucial for economic development

Supporting facts:

• China has recognized the economy as an important pillar for economic development since 2027.

Topics: economic development, digital economy

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The digital economy can help small enterprises compete fairly with large enterprises

Supporting facts:

• In the digital economy, we can build a digital economy platform to gather as many small enterprises on this platform, and then turn them into an enterprise that can compete fairly with the larger ones.

Topics: Digital Economy, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Competition

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The digital economy has proven resilient even during natural disasters and pandemics, maintaining high levels of steady growth

Supporting facts:

• During 2020, 2021, and 2022, despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the digital economy continued to generate a steady high level of growth

• The digital economy demonstrated strong vitality and motivation even in the midst of the epidemic

Topics: digital economy, pandemic resilience, economic growth

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The rapid growth of China’s digital economy and its significant contribution to the GDP, even during the epidemic years

Supporting facts:

• The total contribution made from the digital economy to the GDP has been on the rise constantly from 2017 throughout 2022

• During 2020, 2021, and 2022, when China was battling with epidemics, the contribution of the digital economy still increased dramatically

Topics: China’s digital economy, GDP, Epidemic

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The significant growth in China’s cross-border e-commerce over the past few years

Supporting facts:

• China’s cross-border e-commerce had grown by 10 times in 5 years since 2017

• Even in the third epidemic year, the digital economy was able to grow by 2.1 trillion yuan

Topics: China’s digital economy, Cross-border e-commerce

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China’s net user base has reached 10.67 billion and mobile users have reached 10.65 billion

Supporting facts:

• As of March 2023, China’s net user base has reached 10.67 billion

• Mobile users have reached 10.65 billion

Topics: Digital Economy, Mobile Users, Internet Usage in China

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The consumption potential of Tianmeng International is constantly improving with more young people participating

Supporting facts:

• On the platform of Tianmeng International, 90s buyers can reach 50%, and middle-aged users can reach more than half

• The number of online shoppers in Tianmeng International has increased rapidly from 2017 to 2022

• The number of residents in Tianmeng International has increased by 50%

Topics: Digital economy, E-commerce, Youth participation

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Digital economy is playing a crucial role in promoting China’s globalization

Supporting facts:

• Tianmeng International, a Chinese platform, houses more than 46,000 platforms from more than 90 countries and regions

• In the first half of this year, more than 2000 online brands chose Tianmeng International to launch their first store in China

Topics: China, Digital economy, Globalization

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Digitalization has led to the resumption of consumer decision-making systems

Supporting facts:

• Tianmeng Global offers more than 46,000 brands from more than 90 countries and regions.

• In the first half of 2023, more than 2,000 mobile service brand providers opened their first Chinese stores on Tianmeng Global.

Topics: Digital Economy, Consumer Rights, Public Services

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The digital economy, particularly e-commerce, has been a very significant part of the past 11 years

Supporting facts:

• e-commerce platforms have been operating at a high level for the past 11 years

Topics: digital economy, e-commerce

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China’s digital economy exhibits stability and extensibility

Supporting facts:

• Nationwide promotion campaigns are held every year on November 11th

• The growth rate of these campaigns is kept at a high level

• The digital economy depends strongly on these events to upscale their marketing

Topics: China’s Black Friday, e-commerce, content e-commerce, cyber economy

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Participation of the public in the digital society is diverse and active

Supporting facts:

• The public participates in the digital society in diverse ways

• All forms of participation are being integrated

Topics: Digital society, Digital economy

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The beginning of the digital economy equivalent to a comprehensive transformation of social governance

Supporting facts:

• The digital economy is using intelligent algorithms and computing to play a new form of economic value

• This affects non-linear human social participation and has a multi-dimensional impact

Topics: Digital Economy, Social Governance, Transformation

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The digital economy era has led to a diversification in the value orientation of social groups, leading to more diverse social contradictions and disputes, potentially intensifying conflict.

Supporting facts:

• Social groups are constantly regrouping and their value orientations are diversifying.

Topics: Digital Economy, Social Governance, Conflict Intensification

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The rapid upgrading of technology is changing our traditional understanding and acceptance of many governance systems.

Supporting facts:

• The rapid upgrading of technology is changing our traditional understanding and acceptance of many governance systems.

Topics: Technology Upgrading, Governance Systems

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Importance to ensure that small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals has the right to participate and develop in the digital economy.

Supporting facts:

• Rapidly advancing digital governance system in China

Topics: Digital Economy, Digital Governance, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)

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Need to further deepen the reform of the trade system

Supporting facts:

• SUN Jungong emphasizes that trade reform is essential for promoting democratization of trade and equality in economic participation

Topics: Trade reform, economic transformation

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Desire for new trade rules that are friendlier to small and medium-sized enterprises

Supporting facts:

• There is a call for new regulations that would be more adaptable to varying and complex environments, and enable SMEs to better face challenges in international trade

Topics: Small and medium-sized enterprises, Global digital economy, Trade rules

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Report

China’s digital economy has emerged as a crucial factor for economic development. It has demonstrated impressive resilience, maintaining high levels of steady growth even during natural disasters and pandemics. This resilience has been attributed to the strong vitality and motivation of the digital economy, which continued to generate significant growth even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The digital economy’s contribution to China’s GDP has been consistently rising. Despite challenges posed by epidemics, the digital economy has made a significant and growing contribution to the country’s GDP from 2017 to 2022. This shows its importance as a driver of economic growth, even during epidemic years.

The digital economy has also enabled fair competition between small and large enterprises. Through digital platforms, small enterprises can now compete on an equal footing with larger ones. This has important implications for reducing inequalities and fostering a more dynamic business environment.

Youth participation in e-commerce has significantly increased due to the digital economy. Platforms like Tianmeng International have seen a surge in young buyers, with 50% of buyers on the platform belonging to the 90s generation. This trend highlights the growing consumption potential of the digital economy, with more young people actively participating in online shopping and driving growth.

Moreover, the digital economy has played a crucial role in promoting China’s globalization. Tianmeng International, a Chinese platform, has attracted over 46,000 platforms from more than 90 countries and regions. Additionally, more than 2,000 online brands have chosen Tianmeng International to launch their first store in China, indicating the increasing influence of the digital economy on global trade dynamics.

However, the diversification of social groups and value orientations resulting from the digital economy have also led to potential conflicts and disputes. Effective social governance mechanisms are thus needed to address these challenges and maintain social stability. The rapid advancement of technology associated with the digital economy has brought about a significant transformation in traditional governance systems.

This challenges conventional understanding and acceptance of established governance systems, calling for the development of new approaches that align with the changing landscape of the digital economy. In conclusion, China’s digital economy is vital for economic development, demonstrating resilience and making significant contributions to GDP even in challenging times.

It empowers small enterprises, attracts young participants, promotes globalization, and leads to innovations in consumer decision-making systems. However, its rapid growth also poses challenges related to social conflicts and the need for adapted governance systems. Efforts to achieve trade reform and establish new trade rules reflect the recognition of the transformative impact of the digital economy and the desire to foster a fair and inclusive business environment.

Arguments

China’s digital economy has experienced unprecedented growth.

Supporting facts:

• Total volume of the digital economy in China reached 7,000 in 2022.

• Digital economy annual growth rate of over 9.7% in recent years.

• Digital economy contributes 41.5% to China’s GDP in 2022.

Topics: Digital Economy, China’s Growth

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China is facing challenges in the digital economy.

Supporting facts:

• Cultural adaption to digital change is lagging.

• Global cooperation in the field of the digital economy is fragmented.

• Digital inclusion system needs to be improved.

• A balance is needed between technological innovation and regulation.

• Smoothing data flow needs to be facilitated.

Topics: Digital Economy, Challenges

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The development of China’s digital economy is a national strategy

Topics: Digital Economy, National Strategy

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Understanding the development of digital economy requires both a national and global perspective

Topics: Global Perspective, Digital Economy, National Perspective

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Facing the challenges in governance and domestic economic development in the process of digital economy growth

Topics: Governance, Economic development, Challenges

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China’s top leaders have worked out a decision to concentrate on the double-cycling economy

Supporting facts:

• China’s decision-making level proposes a two-cycle development concept

• The concept of international and domestic economic circulation is included in double circulation

Topics: China’s Economy, Double-cycling Economy

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The core part of the double-cycling economy is to concentrate on the development of the digital economy

Supporting facts:

• For the concept of two-cycle to support, it needs new development capabilities

Topics: Digital Economy, Economic Development

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China identified the digital economy as an important pillar for economic development in 2027.

Supporting facts:

• In 2017, at the 19th Congress of the Communist Party of China, they announced their digital economy strategy

• China was different from Western European countries which identified the development of digital economy as a pillar in their economy in the mid-90s

Topics: Digital Economy, Economic Development, China

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China sees the need to transform its economic development from high growth rate to high quality growth.

Supporting facts:

• After recognizing the importance of digital economy, China acknowledged the need for shift in economic strategy

Topics: High Quality Growth, Economic Development, China

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Inequality of wealth in China is a major problem that needs to be addressed

Topics: wealth inequality, digital economy

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The development of the digital economy is going to serve as a very important opportunity to better promote the social fairness and justice.

Supporting facts:

• Traditionally, the industrial economy has every single advantage, including resources, technologies, and talents. So in that case, that leaves the little opportunity or no opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises to compete with them.

Topics: Digital Economy, Social Fairness, Justice

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China’s digital economy has shown fast growth and high contribution to the GDP, especially during the years impacted by epidemics

Supporting facts:

• Despite the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, 2021 and 2022, the digital economy still presented a significant growth rate and contributed to the GDP.

Topics: Digital Economy, GDP Growth, Heath Crisis, COVID-19

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The scale of cross-border commerce in China has increased nearly tenfold in five years, becoming a significant driving force under the philosophy of dual cycling economy

Supporting facts:

• China’s cross-border e-commerce has grown by 10 times in 5 years since 2017.

• Total import and export of cross-border commerce in China has reached about 2.11 trillion, up to 9.8% in 2022.

Topics: Cross-border Commerce, China’s Digital Economy, Trade facilitation demand, E-commerce

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China has a very high penetration rate of internet

Supporting facts:

• China’s net user base has reached 10.67 billion

• Mobile users have reached 10.65 billion

• Total number of the rural netizens has already amounted to 3.0 billion

• Net over 50 years old has already amounted to 328 million

• Mobile payment users has already amounted to 911 million users

Topics: online users, digital economy

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We should focus on social interaction perspectives, not just economic, when judging the digital economy’s impact

Supporting facts:

• Digital economy involves everyone from various social perspectives

Topics: Social Interaction, Digital Economy

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The consumption potential of Tianmeng International is improving

Supporting facts:

• The youth of digital shopping network is becoming more and more obvious

• 90s buyers can reach 50%, and middle-aged users can reach more than half

Topics: Digital economy, E-commerce

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The number of online shoppers and merchants in Tianmeng International has increased rapidly

Supporting facts:

• From 2017 to 2022, the number of online shoppers in Tianmeng International has increased rapidly

• From 2017 to 2020, the number of online merchants of Tianmeng Global rapidly grew at 55.2%

Topics: Digital economy, E-commerce, Online Shopping, Online Merchants

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Tianmeng Global plays a significant role in globalizing China’s economy

Supporting facts:

• Tianmeng Global hosts over 46,000 brands from 90+ countries

• over 2,000 mobile service brand providers launched their first Chinese stores on Tianmeng Global in the first half of 2023

Topics: Tianmeng Global, China’s economy, globalization

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Digital economy is changing consumer behavior and demand

Supporting facts:

• Digitalization has led to the resumption of consumer decision-making systems

• Consumers are demanding better social services due to the digital economy

• Young consumers’ requirements are changing as they demand better price-performance ratio and value creation

Topics: Digital Economy, Consumer Behavior

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Consumers’ rights are elevated in the digital economy

Supporting facts:

• Consumers have the right to express themselves, the right to speak, the right to choose, and the right to participate in the digital economy

• Real-time, scenarized, content-oriented, and interactive behavior of consumers is encouraged

Topics: Digital Economy, Consumers’ Rights

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Growth rate of China’s e-commerce is still high, despite refusal to disclose GMV

Supporting facts:

• China’s Black Friday boosts e-commerce sales

• Dependence of consumers on digital economy is strong

Topics: E-commerce, Digital Economy, GMV, China’s Black Friday

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Traditional e-commerce platforms are now focusing on content creation

Supporting facts:

• Now, with the transition of major e-commerce platforms to do content e-commerce, including e-commerce live broadcast

Topics: E-commerce, Digital Economy, Live Streaming Business

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There is a diversity of ways to participate in the digital society

Supporting facts:

• We can tell easily that we have a very diversity of ways to participate in the digital society, which means we have the integration of online and offline formats

Topics: Digital Society, E-commerce, Integration

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China has stepped into a digital economy society

Supporting facts:

• We have a very strong conclusion that China has completely stepped into a digital economy society

Topics: China, Digital Economy

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The beginning of the digital economy era equals the turning point of the comprehensive transformation of the social governance paradigm

Supporting facts:

• The flow of data has resulted in compressed time speeds, and changed internet’s internal logic, life and work style, and social governance

• Traditional consumption behavior has been changed completely

Topics: Digital Economy, Social Governance, Data Flow

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The challenges of digital governance need to be addressed

Supporting facts:

• The value system started to be very much diversified with the introduction of the digital economy

• Digitalization in China is going to usher in new challenges in terms of the social governance

Topics: digital economy, social governance, economic development

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Ensuring people’s equal participation and equal development rights is crucial for China’s digital economy transformation

Topics: Digital Economy, Equal Participation, Digital Governance

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Democratization of trade is crucial for SMEs.

Supporting facts:

• Promotion of new trade rules that are friendly to SMEs

Topics: Trade Reform, Digital Economy

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Trade rights for every individual and SMEs.

Supporting facts:

• To trade is a right for every person and every SME

Topics: Trade Rights, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

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Report

China’s digital economy has experienced remarkable growth, with the total volume reaching 7,000 in 2022. It has contributed an impressive 41.5% to China’s GDP. This growth has been driven by a digital economy annual growth rate of over 9.7% in recent years. The unprecedented expansion of China’s digital economy is a testament to its success in embracing and harnessing digital technologies.

However, there are challenges that China faces in its digital economy. Cultural adaptation to digital change is lagging, and there is a need for greater global cooperation in this field. The digital inclusion system also needs improvement, and there is a call for a balance between technological innovation and regulation.

These challenges highlight the importance of addressing governance and domestic economic development in the process of digital economy growth. Infrastructure development and international cooperation are key factors in promoting the digital economy. China has made significant strides in 5G infrastructure development and application in recent decades.

Additionally, the establishment of 17 national agreements for digital second law agreements demonstrates China’s commitment to fostering innovation and creating an enabling legislative environment. Investments are being directed towards infrastructure development to support the growth of the digital economy. Action plans need to be designed to address the challenges in the digital economy.

Emphasising international solidarity to narrow the digital gap and promoting digital economy initiatives to foster a digital market openness are crucial steps. It is also important to support the dissemination of information and knowledge, invest in digital technology, and establish an independent cooperation mechanism.

China has identified the digital economy as a national strategy, recognising its potential for driving economic development. It acknowledges the need to shift from high growth rate to high-quality growth, which will be facilitated through the development of the digital economy.

This strategy aligns with the global perspective, as understanding the development of the digital economy requires both a national and global outlook. Inequality of wealth in China is a significant problem that needs to be addressed. However, the digital economy can also serve as a key force in tackling this issue.

By leveraging the opportunities offered by the digital economy, measures can be implemented to reduce wealth inequality and promote inclusive growth. The development of the digital economy has had a profound impact on social fairness and justice. It has created opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to compete with larger traditional companies.

The digital economy has transformed consumer behaviour, providing better price-performance ratios and value creation. It has also elevated consumer rights and provided platforms for international brands to enter the Chinese market. Despite the challenges faced, the digital economy has shown resilience and growth.

Even during the severe COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, 2021, and 2022, the digital economy in China continued to present significant growth rates and contribute to the GDP. This showcases the capacity of the digital economy to adapt and thrive in the face of sudden disasters and epidemics.

It is important to note that the development of the digital economy goes beyond its economic dimension. It influences social interactions, social governance, and data flow. It requires the introduction of new social governance or digital governance paradigms to effectively address the challenges that arise.

The digital economy has also diversified the value system and ushered in new challenges in terms of social governance. In conclusion, China’s digital economy has experienced unprecedented growth, contributing significantly to its GDP. While there are challenges to overcome, such as cultural adaptation and global cooperation, the development of infrastructure and international cooperation are key in promoting the digital economy.

Action plans need to be designed to tackle challenges, ensuring equal participation and development rights, and addressing wealth inequality. The digital economy has had a profound impact on social fairness, consumer behaviour, and consumer rights. It has also shown resilience and growth, even in times of crisis.

Overall, the digital economy plays a crucial role in China’s economic development and requires both a national and global perspective.

Arguments

Beijing is a leading city in digital economy development

Supporting facts:

• According to the Digital Cities Index 2022 Beijing ranks third among the 30 cities in the world in digital economy.

• In 2021 Beijing’s digital economy development and digital competitiveness ranks first in China.

Topics: Digital Economy, Economic Development

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Beijing’s digital economy has significant impact on its economic growth

Supporting facts:

• From 2015 to 2022, the added value of the digital economy in Beijing increased from 871.9 billion yuan to 1.7 trillion yuan.

• In the first three quarters of this year, digital economy accounted for 44.3% of Beijing’s GDP.

Topics: Digital Economy, Economic Growth

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Beijing is at the forefront of technology advancement

Supporting facts:

• Beijing ranks first in China in the industrial scale of core industries such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, industrial internet, and digital human.

• Eight of the Forbes’ top 100 digital companies list are based out of Beijing.

• The high-level self-driving demonstration zone 3.0 has started the construction of 500 square kilometers.

Topics: Technology Advancement, Digital Economy

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Beijing invests in digital infrastructure for smarter city foundation

Supporting facts:

• As of the third quarter, the city has built a total of 104,000 5G base stations, with 27,000 new ones built in 2023.

• According to preliminary statistics, the city has reached a total computing power supply of 12,000 P.

Topics: Digital Infrastructure, Smart City

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Beijing drives the development of the data market

Supporting facts:

• Beijing has taken the lead in setting up the first pilot zone for basic data system in China.

• The data transaction scale of Beijing International Big Data Exchange exceeded 2 billion yuan.

Topics: Data Market, Digital Economy

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Report

Beijing is widely recognized as a leading city in the development of the digital economy, ranking third globally in the Digital Cities Index 2022. This highlights the city’s significant progress in leveraging digital technologies for economic growth and innovation. One key aspect contributing to Beijing’s digital economy dominance is its impressive growth in the added value of the sector.

From 2015 to 2022, the added value of Beijing’s digital economy increased from 871.9 billion yuan to a staggering 1.7 trillion yuan. This growth showcases the city’s ability to create a thriving digital ecosystem and its positive impact on overall economic growth. Beijing’s digital economy also plays a vital role in driving its economic prosperity, as it accounted for 44.3% of the city’s GDP in the first three quarters of this year.

This demonstrates the importance of the digital sector in creating decent work opportunities and fostering sustainable economic growth. Moreover, Beijing is at the forefront of technological advancement, with leading industrial scale in sectors such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, industrial internet, and digital human.

The city is home to eight out of Forbes’ top 100 digital companies, solidifying its position as a hub for innovation. In addition to its focus on technological advancement, Beijing has invested significantly in digital infrastructure to support the development of a smart city.

The city has built 104,000 5G base stations, with 27,000 new ones added in 2023. This investment ensures seamless connectivity and advanced digital services. Beijing has also driven the development of the data market by establishing the first pilot zone for the basic data system in China.

This initiative enhances data-driven innovation and availability of data resources across sectors. The success of the Beijing International Big Data Exchange, with a data transaction scale surpassing 2 billion yuan, underscores the city’s pivotal role in the data market’s growth. Overall, Beijing’s position as a leader in the digital economy, technology advancement, digital infrastructure investment, and driving the data market demonstrates its commitment to embracing digitalization for economic growth and sustainability.

The city serves as a model for others seeking to leverage the digital economy’s power for progress and prosperity.

Arguments

Data stewardship can play a crucial role in solving access to data issues

Supporting facts:

• Many progresses have been made, but we still see that there are issues when it comes to access to data

• Firstly, because in many cases data is not available

• Secondly, because the quality of the data is not what is needed for the data to be reused for a specific purpose

Topics: Data Stewardship, Data Access, Public Interest

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Data steward acts as an ambassador

Supporting facts:

• Data steward is essential for creating a common understanding of what does it mean, making data available for reuse

• The data steward is not the data privacy officer, it’s not the chief data officer, it’s not the technical IT person

Topics: Data Stewardship, Data Access, Public Services

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The implementation of Data Steward Network in Slovenia

Supporting facts:

• Slovenia launched a network of Data Stewards

• Collaborated with OECD to define job responsibilities for Data Stewards

• Minister in Slovenia acknowledged the need and backed it up politically

• Chief Data Officer was pivotal in learning and realizing this concept

Topics: Data Steward, Open Data Agenda, Slovenia

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Access and reuse of data should not only be limited to the public sector

Supporting facts:

• Barbara Ubaldi suggests the importance of having different stakeholders around the table when making data available for reuse, especially in scenarios requiring integrated data sets from various sources.

Topics: Data access, Data usage, Private sector involvement

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Private sector companies should mirror government efforts in establishing data stewards

Supporting facts:

• Ubaldi believes that business models of private sector companies may vary in terms of data maturity, but the concept of having data stewards can still be adopted, making the whole ecosystem more mature and capable for data governance.

Topics: Data stewards, Private Sector, Government

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Standards are essential and a necessity for data sharing and access

Supporting facts:

• Obstacles to data access and sharing often stem from the lack of consistent standards

• Lack of standards affects data quality

• Standards are needed for consistency across administration

Topics: Data Standards, Data Sharing, Data Access

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Report

Data stewardship plays a crucial role in addressing issues related to data access. While progress has been made, access to data remains an ongoing challenge. Two main reasons contribute to these issues: the unavailability of data in many cases and the insufficient quality of available data for specific purposes.

The role of data stewards is paramount in resolving data access challenges. They ensure that data is made available for reuse, thereby creating a common understanding of its meaning and importance. It is crucial to note that data stewards are different from data privacy officers, chief data officers, or technical IT personnel.

They serve as ambassadors, facilitating effective data stewardship. The responsibilities of data stewards are context-sensitive and vary based on the specific needs and maturity level of the administration in question. The profile of a data steward may differ across countries due to varying necessities and levels of data maturity.

Recognising this allows for tailored solutions that address specific challenges unique to each administration. Slovenia stands as an example of successful implementation of a Data Steward Network. The country launched this network with the collaboration of the OECD, defining the job responsibilities for data stewards.

The political backing of the Minister in Slovenia played a pivotal role in acknowledging the need for data stewardship. The Chief Data Officer of the country was instrumental in understanding and implementing this concept. The creation of the Data Steward position requires political leadership, cultural change within the administration, and a leader who can bridge the gap between political leadership and practitioners.

Slovenia’s Minister recognised the importance of data stewardship, leading to its realisation. Cultural change, fostered by investments in the open data agenda, contributed to the successful establishment of data stewards. The Chief Data Officer played a central role in transforming the idea into a practical reality.

Collaboration between stakeholders from both the public and private sectors is essential for ensuring the access and reuse of data. Having different stakeholders around the table when making data available for reuse, especially in scenarios requiring integrated data sets from various sources, is emphasised.

Private sector companies should mirror government efforts in appointing data stewards, increasing overall data governance capabilities and maturity within the ecosystem. Standards are necessary for consistency in data sharing and access. The lack of consistent standards often hinders data access and sharing, impacting data quality.

Consistent standards are required to ensure shared understanding and consistency across different administrations. Agreement on using the same standards for specific datasets across borders can significantly enhance data sharing and reuse. This cross-border collaboration using uniform standards is ideal and facilitates data exchange and collaboration on a global scale.

Finally, the shared public interest should outweigh private business goals when it comes to data access and usage. Prioritising the public interest fosters a shared agenda that benefits society as a whole. In conclusion, data stewardship is vital in solving data access issues.

The context-sensitive role of data stewards, successful implementations in countries like Slovenia, collaboration between public and private sectors, consistent data standards, and prioritising the public interest all contribute to overcoming challenges and maximising the value of data for societal benefit.

Arguments

Data stewards play a crucial role in facilitating data sharing and the creation of public good in the era of big data

Supporting facts:

• Traditional data collection methods are being replaced by new technologies

• Few data stewards currently exist in the private sector

• Legal regulations often grant access to data for public purposes

• Data stewards in the private sector can help overcome challenges in data sharing

Topics: Data stewards, Data sharing, Big data, Public Good

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Regulations are not enough for establishing data collaborations between public and private sector.

Supporting facts:

• Changes proposed to the basic act for the official statistics of Europe, the Data Act, and the Data Governance Act in the EU.

• Guarantee for the public sector to access private data in case of emergencies.

• Despite regulations, successful cooperation only happened when the private companies established units dealing with data stewardship.

Topics: Data stewardship, Official Statistics, Public-private collaborations, Data Governance Act, Data Act, European Union

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Data stewardship collaboration between public and private sectors brings opportunities.

Supporting facts:

• Collaboration established with a telecom company and a credit card company in Poland.

• Both collaborations started quickly once the companies established units dealing with data stewardship and brought opportunities on both sides.

Topics: Data stewardship, Collaborations, Opportunities

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There is a need for required data standards for ingesting private sector data

Supporting facts:

• Official statistics spend a lot of time developing information standards

• Adopting these standards in Private sector facilities the production of statistics

• Use of standards make interfaces between data holders and users easier to establish

Topics: Data standards, Private sector data

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Report

Data stewards play a crucial role in facilitating data sharing and the creation of public good in the era of big data. Traditional data collection methods are being replaced by new technologies, and few data stewards currently exist in the private sector.

Legal regulations often grant access to data for public purposes, highlighting the need for data stewards to navigate these regulations effectively. Additionally, statisticians can serve as important data stewards by helping others use data, promoting data education, and contributing to global efforts in data stewardship.

However, it is evident that regulations alone are not enough to establish effective data collaborations between the public and private sectors. Successful cooperation between these sectors in data stewardship requires dedicated units and structures focused on data stewardship. National Statistical Institutes (NSIs) should also play a key role in facilitating data sharing, ensuring effective data usage, and promoting data standards.

The adoption of data standards is crucial for the ingestion of private sector data and can facilitate data reuse, leading to improved interoperability and valuable insights.

Arguments

One of the biggest opportunities within a data economy and one of the biggest ways to generate value from data is by data reuse

Topics: Data Economy, Data Reuse

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In order to accelerate data reuse, we need to provide access to data

Topics: Data Access, Data Reuse

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Data stewardship involves building a human infrastructure aimed at systematic, sustainable and responsible data reuse

Topics: Data Stewardship, Data Reuse, Data Access

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Stefaan Verhulst is interested in how learnings are shared among data stewards

Supporting facts:

• Sonia mentioned that the IDSP facilitates learning and knowledge sharing among its members and disseminates these learnings and best practices publicly.

• Stefaan asked if there is a need for a data stewards platform that data stewards can learn from each other and if there is an exchange between public and private sectors

Topics: Data Stewardship, Learning Sharing, Public Sector, Private Sector

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Stefaan elaborated on the role of data stewards in data innovation

Supporting facts:

• Sonia mentioned that IDSP encourages innovation and experimentation with new data sources.

• Stefaan asked about the role of the data stewards as it relates to data innovation given that it’s a fast moving environment

Topics: Data Stewards, Data Innovation, Technology

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Slovenia is a good example of translating data stewardship into practice within the public administration

Supporting facts:

• Slovenia launched the data steward network within their administration

• The role, function, tasks, responsibilities, and profile for a data steward were defined with civil servants in Slovenia

• New role was acknowledged and backed by the political leadership, and Slovenia had long been investing in open data agenda

Topics: Data Stewardship, Public Administration, Slovenia

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Political leadership, already existing practices, and the country’s data agenda leader’s support were crucial for Slovenia’s success in implementing data stewardship

Supporting facts:

• Slovenia’s minister acknowledged the importance of new role

• Country had been investing on open data agenda, enabling the cultural change

• Chief data officer in Slovenia was keen on making data stewardship a reality

Topics: Data Stewardship, Political Leadership, Open Data Agenda

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Report

In the discussions surrounding data stewardship and data reuse, several important points were raised. Firstly, it was highlighted that one of the biggest opportunities in a data economy is the generation of value through data reuse. Reusing data allows for its potential to be maximised, creating new insights and opportunities.

To accelerate the process of data reuse, it was emphasised that access to data is crucial. Providing access to data enables more efficient and effective data reuse, as it allows individuals and organisations to access the necessary information for their projects and initiatives.

Data stewardship, on the other hand, involves the creation of a human infrastructure focused on systematic, sustainable, and responsible data reuse. This involves establishing guidelines, frameworks, and practices to ensure that data is managed and used in a responsible manner.

It is important for organisations to prioritise data stewardship in order to promote data reuse that is both ethically and legally sound. However, it was noted that scaling and sustaining data collaboratives has proven to be difficult. Data collaboratives aim to bring together different entities to share and collaborate on data projects.

While they have the potential to generate valuable insights and outcomes, challenges exist in scaling and sustaining these collaborations effectively. Further research and efforts are needed to overcome these challenges and ensure the long-term success of data collaboratives. Additionally, the discussions shed light on the importance of learnings and knowledge sharing among data stewards.

By sharing their experiences and best practices, data stewards can learn from one another and improve their approaches to data stewardship. This can contribute to the development of a stronger and more effective data stewardship community. The role of data stewards in driving data innovation was also discussed.

It was recognised that data stewards play a crucial role in fostering innovation by encouraging experimentation with new data sources. As data innovation continues to advance at a rapid pace, data stewards are in a unique position to facilitate and support innovative practices.

Insights from the experiences of open government data were considered valuable in the context of data stewardship. By examining how open government data has been used and managed, valuable lessons can be learned to inform and enhance data stewardship practices.

Furthermore, the case of Slovenia was highlighted as an example of successful implementation of data stewardship within the public administration. Slovenia established a data steward network and defined the role, function, tasks, responsibilities, and profile of a data steward. This initiative was supported and acknowledged by the political leadership, and the country had already been investing in an open data agenda, which contributed to the successful implementation of data stewardship practices.

Lastly, it was emphasised that for effective data collaboratives, a counterpart in the private sector is crucial. Without the involvement of the private sector, it can be challenging to establish and sustain data collaboratives. By engaging with the private sector, data collaboratives can access additional expertise, resources, and data sources, leading to more comprehensive and impactful outcomes.

In conclusion, the discussions around data stewardship and data reuse highlighted various important aspects. Generating value through data reuse, providing access to data, and establishing data stewardship practices are essential in a data-driven economy. Challenges exist in scaling and sustaining data collaboratives, and knowledge sharing among data stewards and the role of data stewards in innovation are key considerations.

Insights from open government data, successful implementation of data stewardship in Slovenia, and the importance of private sector involvement in data collaboratives were also emphasised. These insights can inform and guide efforts to promote responsible and effective data reuse and stewardship.

Arguments

The role of data stewardship is crucial in achieving good data governance and effective open government data.

Supporting facts:

• Data stewardship ensures that data is secure, but also open enough for sharing.

• Data stewards can facilitate the flow of data within and outside government.

Topics: Open Government Data, Data Governance, Data Stewardship

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Data stewards serve as ‘data diplomats’, building relationships and negotiating alliances.

Supporting facts:

• Data stewards are responsible for managing both the supply and demand sides.

• Stewards can build ecosystems and initiate partnerships that benefit data culture in public organizations.

Topics: Data Stewardship, Data Governance

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Implementing effective data stewardship requires investment and capacity building.

Supporting facts:

• The role of a data steward is complex and involves managing various aspects, such as data accessibility, findability, and reusability.

• Data stewards need to be equipped with the right skills to lead changes in governance and processes.

Topics: Data Stewardship, Investment

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Data stewards can identify valuable datasets and create valuable partnerships

Supporting facts:

• Data stewards need to identify priorities and make them happen

• It’s costly to manage thousands of datasets, so identification of valuable ones is crucial

• Engagement ‘as trust intermediaries’ can help information flow better

Topics: Data Stewardship, Open Data, Transparency, Policy

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Report

Data stewardship plays a vital role in achieving good data governance and effective open government data. The role of data stewards is to ensure that data is not only secure but also open enough for sharing. This is crucial as it allows for the free flow of data within and outside the government, enabling effective decision-making and collaboration.

One of the key arguments in support of data stewardship is its ability to act as a “data diplomat,” building relationships and negotiating alliances. Data stewards have the responsibility of managing both the supply and demand sides of data. By doing so, they can build ecosystems and initiate partnerships that benefit data culture in public organisations.

This helps foster collaboration and knowledge sharing, resulting in improved data governance and more effective utilisation of open government data. Implementing effective data stewardship requires investment and capacity building. Data stewards need to be equipped with the right skills to lead changes in governance and processes.

They play a complex role that involves managing various aspects, such as data accessibility, findability, and reusability. Therefore, investing in their training and development is essential to ensure they can effectively perform their duties and drive meaningful change. Another significant advantage of data stewardship is its potential to drive innovation and effectiveness across various sectors.

Data stewards are expected to generate value, develop better public policies, fight misinformation, and promote science using data. By ensuring the availability of high-quality data and creating an environment that supports innovation, data stewardship opens new frontiers for improvement within public organisations.

Furthermore, data stewards play a critical role in identifying valuable datasets and creating valuable partnerships. Managing and curating vast amounts of data can be challenging and costly. Therefore, data stewards need to identify priorities and determine which datasets are most valuable.

They act as trust intermediaries, facilitating the flow of information and building partnerships that can further enhance data governance and utilisation. It is also worth noting that data stewards need to build a strong business case for their initiatives. Transparency is becoming increasingly important in governance, and people expect the government to be open and accountable.

However, continuous efforts in data stewardship can be costly. Nevertheless, due to societal expectations and the benefits derived from effective data governance, it is challenging not to justify the investment. In conclusion, data stewardship is a crucial aspect of achieving good data governance and effective open government data.

Data stewards play a vital role in ensuring data security while facilitating its flow within and outside the government. They act as “data diplomats” by building relationships and negotiating alliances, which enhances data culture in public organisations. By investing in their skills development, data stewardship can lead to effective changes in governance and processes.

Furthermore, data stewards have the potential to drive innovation and generate value across various sectors. They identify valuable datasets and create partnerships that further enhance data governance. While the cost of continuous efforts may be a challenge, data stewards need to build a strong business case to justify these investments due to societal expectations and the benefits derived from transparency and effective data governance.

Arguments

Industry Data for Society Partnership (IDSP) is a global initiative to facilitate the reuse of private sector data for public good

Supporting facts:

• The partnership includes various private companies interested in opening their data

• The IDSP identifies data projects that have outcomes that benefit society

Topics: Data Stewardship, Data Collaboration, Public Good

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IDSP aims to foster trust among its members and stakeholders by promoting learning and sharing resources to facilitate data stewardship

Supporting facts:

• IDSP fosters trust by promoting open learning and resource sharing

• Data challenges are conducted open to the public to encourage innovation

Topics: Trust building, Data Stewardship

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The private sector needs to adopt a more active role in data sharing and the adoption of the data steward role.

Supporting facts:

• Microsoft has supported a number of data collaborations

• Microsoft has released a framework for the adoption of the data steward role

Topics: Data sharing, Data Stewardship, Private Sector

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Leadership is crucial in driving change and adoption of data steward role within an organization.

Supporting facts:

• Leadership commitment is required to hook an organization’s data to work

Topics: Leadership, Data Stewardship

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Aligning data sharing activities with business goals is important.

Supporting facts:

• ESG is core to many companies’ business strategies

• Ensuring there’s a prioritization aligned with business goals in relation to data sharing ensures sustainability

Topics: Data sharing, Business Goals

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The value of data lies in the outcomes it can drive, rather than its intrinsic value.

Supporting facts:

• The more businesses share and collaborate around data, the more opportunities there will be to solve both economic and societal issues

Topics: Data Value, Data Sharing

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Report

The Industry Data for Society Partnership (IDSP) is a global initiative that aims to facilitate the reuse of private sector data for the public good. It consists of various private companies that are interested in opening up their data to benefit society.

The partnership is positive in sentiment and focuses on promoting data stewardship for the greater good of society. IDSP fosters trust among its members and stakeholders by promoting open learning and resource sharing. This creates an environment conducive to collaboration and innovation in data stewardship.

Additionally, the partnership conducts open data challenges to encourage public participation and drive innovation. The private sector plays a crucial role in data sharing and the adoption of the data steward role. For example, Microsoft has supported multiple data collaborations and released a framework for adopting the data steward role.

To optimize data sharing and utilization, the private sector needs to take a more active role in sharing data and embracing their responsibilities as data stewards. Leadership is identified as a key driver for change and the adoption of the data steward role within organizations.

Strong leadership commitment is required to harness an organization’s data and ensure its effective use. By embracing the data steward role and providing support, leaders can enable their organizations to make better use of data for societal benefit. Aligning data sharing activities with business goals is also emphasized.

Many companies prioritize Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, which are integral to their business strategies. By aligning data sharing activities with these goals, companies can ensure sustainability, long-term success, and positive societal impact. Furthermore, the value of data lies in the outcomes it can drive rather than its intrinsic value.

Collaborating and sharing data leads to more opportunities for solving both economic and societal issues. By focusing on the potential outcomes and leveraging data to address pressing challenges, the true value of data can be realized. In conclusion, the IDSP is a global initiative that promotes the reuse of private sector data for the public good.

It fosters trust, encourages collaboration through open learning and resource sharing, and emphasizes the importance of leadership, alignment with business goals, and the value of data outcomes. The private sector’s active involvement in data sharing and adopting the data steward role contributes to positive societal impact.