Pakistan’s Quest for Economic Growth through Digital Transformation

The digital revolution is reshaping the world economy, creating new opportunities for sustainable development and inclusive growth. Digital technologies can enhance productivity, innovation, and connectivity, as well as support green development and social inclusion. However, harnessing the potential of digital transformation requires a strategic vision, a long-term policy framework, and coordinated implementation across sectors and stakeholders. Without these elements, digital transformation can also create new challenges and inequalities.

Could digital transformation be the route for Pakistan to achieve leapfrogging growth?  We could draw on the experiences of several countries in the Asia and Pacific region that have successfully implemented digital policies and achieved digital development. It is also relevant to examine the hypothesis that the government and the state, both key actors in the growth and progress of a country, may have different roles and incentives in committing to long-term journeys such as digital transformation that span multiple governance regimes.

The article is structured as follows. First, we discuss the concept and importance of long-term planning, especially in the post-COVID era, and the main components of a comprehensive policy framework for digital transformation. Second, we present some country examples of successful digitalization and identify cases of leapfrogging growth. Third, we analyze the role of the government and the state in pursuing and sustaining digital policies. Finally, we conclude with some implications and recommendations for Pakistan, a developing country with immense potential to benefit from digital transformation.

This is the brief of a referenced article published by Criterion Quarterly;

https://criterion-quarterly.com/pakistans-quest-for-digital-transformation/