Strengthening the regional digital economy in Latin America and the Caribbean

Context

In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), it is widely hoped that digital transformation will provide important impetus for creating a more resilient and modern economy. At the same time, however, digitalisation is increasingly presenting challenges for the region. For instance, it must overcome digital inequality while simultaneously regulating new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

Though some efforts are being made in individual countries across the region, collective action to coordinate and integrate digital economic ecosystems in LAC has so far been limited. Above all, key stakeholders are lacking innovative, collaborative and knowledge-based strategies for efficiently driving the growth of the regional digital economy.

Objective

Relevant public and non-governmental stakeholders in the digital economy across LAC have improved expertise and methodological skills, making them better equipped to promote the regional digital economy.

Approach

The project works closely with the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), and it supports the Digital Agenda for Latin America and the Caribbean (eLAC), which is being coordinated by ECLAC. The project is centred around the following key initiatives:

• It is establishing a regional ‘Policy Lab for Digital Transformation’, which serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration aimed at developing innovative approaches to supporting the digital economy.
• It supports regional flagship projects, which are set to be expanded and adapted to other countries in order to improve skills and expertise throughout the region.
• It also shares practical knowledge to strengthen the digital economy. Regional events and dialogue formats provide relevant stakeholders in LAC with opportunities to exchange and collaborate.

Last updated: January 2025