"This paper explores various strategic options available to Japanese firms faced with the increasing market pressures in the global economy. Whether Japanese firms are able to retain the competitive edge will depend on the continuing gains in their manufacturing capability, their capacity to...

"This paper examines the role of private support institutions in determining small and medium enterprise (SME) growth and performance in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It finds that SMEs in SSA get around market failures and lack of formal institutions by creating private governance systems in the...

This report identifies the unique technological challenges and opportunities faced by various Azerbaijani communities when using digital tools and services, particularly in rural areas. The findings will support the Government of Azerbaijan in its design of the interventions necessary to create...

In the Mashreq countries of Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon, women's economic opportunities are significantly constrained, with female labor force participation rates among the lowest globally. Women face considerable employment barriers, which include safety concerns related to harassment in public...

From 2018 to 2022, household access to home internet in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) increased from 50.7 to 68.4 percent, with higher access rates in urban areas (ITU, 2023). In most countries of LAC, there are pronounced disparities in access to the internet between poor and non-poor...

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic in Uganda has emerged as the most significant adverse shock the global economy has experienced since the Second World War. It has taken a toll on human life and brought major disruption to countries across the globe. As a result, Uganda’s economy is expected...

Morocco strives to reach a similar per capita income level to that of upper-middle income countries, and to reduce unemployment, which particularly affects women and youth. To meet these goals, the government recognizes the need to shift from a low-technology economy with a strong agricultural...

This report analyzes the digital technology adoption of Armenian firms based on the findings of the Armenia ICT Survey administered to over 1,900 firms in 2023 by the Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia (ARMSTAT), with the technical assistance of the World Bank and support of the...

In the near term, achieving sustainability is one of humanity's most vital objectives. For sustainability to become a mindset and not merely a goal, it needs to encompass all fields, including digital. This white paper elaborates on the Saudi Government's steps toward digital sustainability. The...