Mashreq 2.0 : Digital Transformation for Inclusive Growth and Jobs
The Mashreq countries must fully leverage digital infrastructure as well as their relative strengths in transforming their economies. The report lays out the strategic importance of digital infrastructure for countries in the region, takes stock of...
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| Format: | Report |
| Language: | English |
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World Bank, Washington, DC
2019
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| Online Access: | http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/246561561495359944/Mashreq-2-0-Digital-Transformation-for-Inclusive-Growth-and-Jobs http://hdl.handle.net/10986/32003 |
| Summary: | The Mashreq countries must fully
leverage digital infrastructure as well as their relative
strengths in transforming their economies. The report lays
out the strategic importance of digital infrastructure for
countries in the region, takes stock of its status, and
provides recommendations. Countries studied are: Iraq,
Jordan, Lebanon, Iran, and Syria. Digital infrastructure
covers the broadband value chain: international
connectivity, Internet exchange points (IXPs), backbone
networks, and access networks. It identifies the main
elements of broadband networks in the Mashreq, assesses the
potential of data centers and regional IXPs, and provides
benchmarks on key sector indicators for the region. The
second part of the report looks in detail at the importance
of regional digital infrastructure for key sectors of the
Mashreq economy, relates digital infrastructure to the
overall development program of the Mashreq, and presents
emerging research in private sector digital platforms in the
region. It concludes that there is a substantial
cross-infrastructure agenda both at the national, but more
importantly, at the regional level, as energy and transport
networks can be effectively used to expand broadband access
in the region both across and within countries. The report
presents several opportunities for the Mashreq governments
to take advantage of and improve their digital
infrastructure and the verticals that build on it. The
report also highlights the opportunity to develop regional
digital services for trade diversification, growth, and
economic integration as a foundation for the emergence of a
digital economy. Finally, the report stresses the importance
of digital transformation, highlighting opportunities in key
sectors, including health, education, urban development, and
social services for migrant communities. |
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