The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), a pivotal global entity committed to fostering digital prosperity, has introduced the Digital Economy Navigator (DEN). This innovative tool is designed to help countries enhance their digital economy maturity, supporting sustainable and accessible development worldwide. Launched at the SDG Digital 2024 during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the DEN offers a unique framework to assess and accelerate digital economy growth across 50 countries, including DCO Member States.
The DEN utilizes a variety of data sources, including large-scale surveys and secondary data, to provide a comprehensive view of digital economy maturity. This framework aims to align global efforts towards enhancing digital accessibility, sustainability, and prosperity. By providing a common platform for nations and stakeholders, the DEN facilitates the strategic planning and execution of digital economy policies.
Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the DCO, emphasized the DEN’s role in transforming digital interaction across borders: “The Digital Economy Navigator not only aims to foster economic prosperity and sustainability but ensures that countries lead in the digital age. As a groundbreaking framework, the DEN is crucial for supporting evidence-based policy-making and impactful digital outcomes.”
The Navigator evaluates countries across three key dimensions: Digital Enablers, Digital Business, and Digital Society, synthesized into 10 pillars based on 102 indicators. This approach allows for detailed assessments and comparisons of digital economy use and maturity, offering stakeholders targeted insights to drive innovation and growth.
The DEN also introduces a maturity classification system to help countries identify and implement effective digital strategies. With its comprehensive and adaptable structure, the DEN is poised to become an essential tool for policymakers, business leaders, and digital economy experts, enabling them to craft more inclusive and innovative digital economies.
The tool’s significance is underscored by its impact across various regions, with North America leading in digital innovation and other areas like South Asia and the Middle East and North Africa excelling in digital work and training. The DEN’s insights into digital education and health services demonstrate its potential to drive significant advancements in these critical sectors globally.
The DEN’s findings and methodologies are accessible on its dedicated online platform, offering stakeholders valuable resources to guide their digital strategies. As the digital landscape evolves, the DEN will continue to adapt, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness in promoting global digital economic growth.
About the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO):
Founded in November 2020, the DCO is the first international intergovernmental organization dedicated exclusively to accelerating the growth of an inclusive and sustainable digital economy. It unites ministries from 16 countries, representing nearly $3.5 trillion in GDP. The organization is focused on empowering youth, women, and entrepreneurs, and promoting digital innovation to drive economic growth and social prosperity globally. Through strategic cooperation, the DCO is committed to creating a fair digital economy for all.
