The OECD has been compiling data, analysis and recommendations on a range of topics to address the health, economic and societal crisis related to COVID-19 in order to facilitate co-ordination and contribute to the necessary global action.
Beyond issues related directly to health, education and taxes, for example, the OECD has been providing specific guidance related to the effects on the digital economy, particularly in the areas of:
• data protection and privacy related to COVID-19 (e.g. protecting privacy and data while using apps and biometrics)
• digital security during COVID-19 crisis (e.g. dealing with digital security risk during the epidemic).
• connectivity issues during and beyond COVID-19 (e.g. bridging digital divides and keeping the Internet running)
• artificial intelligence tools for COVID-19 response (e.g. use of AI for health policy, medical research and to track and trace the virus’ spread)
Ahead of immediate responses, the content that the OECD is producing in the area of digital economy also aims to provide analysis on the longer-term consequences and impacts, paving the way to recovery with co-ordinated policy responses across countries, with a specific focus on vulnerable sectors of society and the economy.
This Open Forum seeks to report on the key messages from the body of work produced in the OECD since April 2020 on the subject of COVID-19 and the digital economy and to foster a reflection on the lessons learned from this crisis, together with representatives of government, business, civil society and other international organisations.
The session will look into both opportunities and challenges for the digital economy during and beyond COVID-19, by addressing two main questions:
• In which way has COVID-19 acted as a catalyst for the digital transformation?
• What are the digital economy divides, limitations and risks revealed by COVID-19?
Agenda
1. Setting the scene (5 minutes) - The moderator will explain the purpose of the workshop, present statistics regarding connectivity in the world and share some of key questions related to different operator models and their effects in expanding broadband around the world.
2. Opportunities and challenges for the digital economy during and beyond COVID-19 (30 minutes) - The moderator will invite panellists to answer the following questions: “What new business models and technological solutions can assist to narrow the digital broadband divide? What operator models have proven to work well to expand connectivity?”
3. Persisting challenges and possible solutions (15 minutes) - The moderator will invite the main panellists to answer the questions: “In which way has COVID-19 acted as a catalyst for the digital transformation?” and “What are the digital economy divides, limitations and risks revealed by COVID-19?
4. Questions and answers (20 minutes) - The moderator will open the floor for a section of questions and answers between the audience and panellists.
5. Wrap-up (5 minutes) – The moderator will summarise the main points and wrap up the discussions.
