Earlier this week, AlphaBeta published its latest report, “The Digital Sprinters: Boosting exports through digital technologies“, at an event organised by the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) and Google.
The study, commissioned by Google, focuses on unlocking export opportunities for six Latin American economies: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay. The report reveals that while digital exports already contribute around USD34 billion to these economies, a sharpened focus on specific policy levers could see this figure reach USD140 billion by the end of the decade.
To realise this economic potential, the report outlines four key recommendations designed to support policymakers at a regional level in fostering a conducive export-driven environment: 1) build future-proof digital infrastructure, 2) bridge digital skills gaps related to exports, 3) promote digital security and build trust among businesses and consumers, and 4) implement trade facilitation measures and policies.
Speaking at the report launch in Washington DC, which gathered over 50 representatives from the private sector, government, international and regional organisations, the tech industry, and academia, Christopher Martin, Access Partnership’s Principal and Policy Innovation Head of North America, said: “Digital technologies boost exports through three channels: creating new digital solutions, reducing costs of access to overseas markets, and supporting the efficiency of exporting processes”.
While the private sector is already supporting countries to unlock the benefits of digital technologies through platforms such as Google Ads and AdSense, Martin emphasised the role of the public sector in facilitating this process. “We see a critical role for governments to lead from the top to help secure direction inside their economies, as well as coordinate their agencies towards implementing more digital solutions,” he said.
To download the full report, click here.
