Regional and Sub-Regional Approaches to the Digital Economy: Lessons from Asia Pacific and Latin America

There is broad consensus on the significance of the digital economy for countries’ economic growth and social development. This is recognised not only by individual countries, which have been launching increasingly ambitious digital economy strategies and plans, but also by regional and sub-regional economic forums and trade alliances. This study aims to: describe the status and key aspects of the digital economy in regional and sub-regional contexts, including Asia Pacific, Central America and, as a region, Latin America; understand the rationale, objectives and implementation approach of ICT-related strategies, plans or activities launched by regional and sub-regional cooperation initiatives involving one or more Latin American countries; and identify existing gaps, and possible approaches and actions towards a more effective regional digital economy integration.