There is no doubt that COVID-19 has sped up the adoption of digital technologies across the world. From an explosion in e-commerce to the growth in remote working, the pandemic has substantially changed how we do things and how economies work. But what are the implications of this digital transformation for businesses in the long run? Can these changes represent an opportunity for emerging markets to leap ahead?

In this issue of IFC Insights, Andrew Mayeda writes about how the digital surge—and a potential increase in productivity—could turn out to be a major inflection point in development. Soumitra Dutta, professor of management at the SC Johnson College of Business, gives his views on the importance of building up workers’ skills, especially to address the growing demand for data processing and analysis. We also take a first-hand look at how creative ideas are helping businesses stay afloat in Sri Lanka, and examine the ways digital platforms are providing a lifeline for farmers in Kenya and Uganda. We hope you enjoy the stories as much as we did.

– Inae Riveras