Today's digital transformation is changing economies at warp speed and scale. The ITU series on "The economic contribution of broadband, digitization and ICT regulation" examines this revolution from a data and evidence-based perspective. It quantifies the positive impact of broadband, digital transformation, and the interplay of ICT regulation on national economies by applying econometric modelling techniques.
Importantly, this series developed in the framework of BDT Thematic Priority on Policy and Regulation, builds on several years of robust and reliable data resources to measure the impact of institutional and regulatory variables on the development of the digital ecosystem using top-tier data metrics on the digital ecosystem and the maturity of ICT regulatory frameworks, namely the Digital ecosystem development index and the ITU ICT regulatory tracker.
This analysis uses econometric modelling to pinpoint the impact
of fixed and mobile broadband and digitization on the global economy and its contribution to national economies.
Using econometric models, the study reveals the impact of ICT on innovation, productivity, and digital inclusion. Although growth has slowed, the ICT sector remains a key driver of economic transformation, with ongoing advancements in connectivity expected to sustain its long-term influence.
Broadband adoption continues to rise, supported by greater coverage and affordability. These proven economic benefits highlight the need for strong policy measures to bridge the digital divide and ensure inclusive growth.
This report seeks to demystify the complex world of digital service taxation, offering a comprehensive comparative analysis across countries and regions. The study examines taxes imposed on operators in the digital economy, as well as those affecting the consumption of digital services by enterprises and consumers.
In terms of the impact of taxation on the digital economy, the report elucidates how various forms of taxation can affect capital spending, investment, consumer behaviour and the affordability of digital services and devices.
The Regional Econometric studies
Following the Global study, a series of Regional Econometric modelling studies was developed to present a set of econometric analyses that estimate the contribution of broadband and digital transformation, as well as the impact of ICT policy and regulation on the development of the digital economy in each region.
The outcomes of these regional studies may serve as key reference material to illustrate the impact of fixed and mobile broadband on the economy, where the regions stand in terms of digitization, and the impact of digitization on Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
