Digitalisation and economic development
Digitalisation opens up new prospects for economic growth and prosperity in developing countries. SECO supports its partner countries in their digital transformation so that they can take advantage of the opportunities it offers and mitigate potential risks.
New digital technologies make it possible to tackle the complex challenges of international cooperation more effectively, as they offer innovative solutions. They also help in achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development more quickly and efficiently. Switzerland seeks to strengthen the digital skills of its partner countries in order to promote the resilience of public services, the local economy and civil society, and to help close the global digital divide.
Digitalisation is a driving force of sustainable economic development.
Institutional framework and digital solutions
SECO supports its partner countries in the area of digital governance so that they can regulate the digital environment and create the necessary institutional framework conditions for sustainable and inclusive digitalisation. It also supports the public and private sector in designing and implementing digital solutions that are adapted to local circumstances, attaching great importance to risk management and cyber security.
SECO’s priorities include:
- Modernising public institutions in order to improve access to services, reduce bureaucracy and fight corruption (GovTech);
- Promoting innovative financial technologies so that people and businesses have easier access to financing and financial services (FinTech);
- Supporting SMEs in digitalisation processes to make them more competitive and to integrate them into international value chains and trade systems (E-Trade).
- Developing expertise so that people can use and operate digital technologies in their workplace (Skills).