The German Development Institute / Deutsches Institute für Entwicklungspolitik (DIE) organised a presentation of and public discussion on the World Development Report 2016, welcoming The World Bank’s Co-Director on the World Development Report 2016 Deepak Mishra.

The World Development Report 2016 deals with the role of digital technologies that have spread rapidly in much of the world within the last years. Digital dividends – that is, the broader development benefits from using these technologies – have lagged behind. According to the report, in many instances, digital technologies have boosted growth, expanded opportunities, and improved service delivery. Yet their aggregate impact has fallen short and is unevenly distributed. For digital technologies to benefit everyone everywhere requires closing the remaining digital divide, especially in internet access. But greater digital adoption will not be enough. To get the most out of the digital revolution, countries also need to work on the “analog complements” – by strengthening regulations that ensure competition among businesses, by adapting workers’ skills to the demands of the new economy, and by ensuring that institutions are accountable.

Programme

Welcome
Dirk Messner, Director, German Development Institute / Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik (DIE)

Introduction
Deepak Mishra, Lead Economist and the Co-director of World Development Report 2016, World Bank

Comments
Tilman Altenburg, Head of Deparment Sustainable Economic and Social Development, German Development Institute / Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik (DIE)

Followed by Questions and Answers.