Digital Technology
Digital technology has boosted growth, expanded opportunities, and improved service delivery in much of the world. ADB's initiatives are empowering the poor to use digital technology to help lift themselves out of poverty.
Digital technology has advanced very rapidly globally, enhancing connectivity, financial inclusion, and access to trade and public services. Digital technology has boosted growth, expanded opportunities, and improved government services across Asia and the Pacific. The use of big data and the rise of online platforms have accelerated this process over the past decade. In addition, the enhanced role of digital technology in the face of social distancing and lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic has further grown the sector.
The transition to digital has also reduced barriers to market entry for firms, lowering inequality in the process. Advances in digital technology have enhanced the productive capacities of economies, helping to improve economic efficiency and growth. In addition, digitalization has contributed to rises in regional and global economic integration, helping many economies make progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 9, helping to build resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.
Efficient and affordable ICT infrastructure and services help countries to engage in the digital economy and boost their economic competitiveness. Such technology provides the means to deliver quality goods and services in health care, education, finance, commerce, governance, agriculture, and other vital areas. Digital can help reduce poverty and hunger, boost health, create new jobs, help mitigate climate change, improve energy efficiency, and make cities and communities more sustainable.
ADB recognises that for digital technology to effectively boost development in the region, more investment is needed in policy, regulations, infrastructure, capacity and skills. ADB financing has included support for:
Gaps in digital and data infrastructure limit equitable access to information and opportunities, widening inequalities. ADB tackles this challenge by advancing infrastructure deployment, strengthening government ecosystems, and integrating green technologies to enhance resilience in critical connectivity. By building robust digital and data infrastructure, ADB bridges the digital divide, empowers communities, fosters inclusive development, and strengthens societal resilience. This approach will unlocks innovation, drives economic growth, and improves quality of life for all.
Digital government and public infrastructure progress in the Asia-Pacific region remains uneven, making online public services scarce and inaccessible, particularly in underserved areas. ADB tackles this challenge by integrating digital technologies across key sectors—including government services, health, education, transport, energy, and finance—to improve efficiency and expand access. These initiatives lower costs, enhance transparency, and strengthen public accountability. By linking local offices with central ministries and extending essential services to rural areas, ADB fosters greater inclusion, efficiency, and digital equity.
Cyber threats undermine credibility and trust—the foundations of a thriving digital economy, society, and government. ADB provides policy and regulatory support, capacity building aligned with international standards and best practices in data privacy and cybersecurity, and a holistic approach that integrates legal, technical, social, and administrative safeguards. This creates a secure environment where individuals, businesses, and governments can confidently thrive in the digital age.
In an increasingly digital world, low digital skills and literacy levels limit participation in the digital economy. Without foundational skills, youth and adults struggle to navigate online platforms, access digital services, and seize opportunities in education and employment. ADB addresses these challenges by advancing digital skills training, strengthening policies and programs, and improving connectivity to enhance internet access in schools and underserved communities. By fostering digital literacy, ADB empowers individuals, promotes economic inclusion, and drives innovation.
Emerging technologies can be key drivers of sustainable development and economic growth. However, building innovation ecosystems, integrating new technologies, and creating conditions for impactful R&D remain challenging. ADB addresses these challenges by applying emerging technologies such as AI and earth observation, assisting with policy reforms to support entrepreneurship, and strengthening startup ecosystems through a holistic approach. Innovation and emerging technologies are transformative tools for building resilient economies, enhance public services, and tackle pressing challenges.
Outdated policies and weak regulatory frameworks widen digital infrastructure gaps and slow sustainable progress. ADB supports modernizing telecom and digital regulations and conducts evidence-based research to guide policy and investment decisions. Strong policies and regulations are the backbone of digital transformation, fostering innovation, economic growth, and inclusive digital development.
ADB aims to lead digital transformation across Asia and the Pacific, empowering developing member countries (DMCs) to leapfrog into a digitally Prosperous, Inclusive, Resilient, and Sustainable future.
To achieve this vision, ADB supports DMCs in harnessing digital technologies to drive economic growth, enhance public services, and promote sustainable development. This involves strengthening digital infrastructure, platforms, and applications while fostering effective policy frameworks, building trust, and enhancing capacity development.
By integrating digital technologies into key sectors such as government services, health, education, transport, energy, finance, agriculture, rural development, water, and urban development, ADB enables DMCs to leverage innovation effectively. These efforts create a robust digital ecosystem that enhances connectivity, ensures inclusivity, and accelerates long-term resilience and prosperity.
ADB's approach to digital development embodies the following guiding principles:
Inclusive. Promote inclusive digital development and transformation by accelerating equitable access to digital technologies in ways that meet the needs of all segments of society
Sustainable. Create strong foundations to enable the development, delivery, and long-term viability of green and climate-friendly digital services and products across sectors and DMCs
Responsible and Risk-based. Improve digital safeguards by supporting the management of privacy and security risks and promoting responsible use of technologies and data
Tailored. Take differentiated approaches, based on DMCs’ development priorities and needs, and their digital readiness
Collaborative. Prioritize multistakeholder engagement, encourage collaboration and support, for digital transformation
Scalable. Design solutions that are scalable and adaptable to maximize the impact of digital investments and foster economies of scale
Agile and Responsive. Remain dynamic and flexible to integrate the changing technological landscape
In addition to providing assistance through its usual financing channels, ADB administers trust funds for the application of digital and high-level technology.
The Republic of Korea (ROK) supports the digital technology initiatives of ADB's member countries through the e-Asia and Knowledge Partnership Fund, as well as ADB digital technology initiatives through partnerships with concerned government institutions, such as the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the National Information Society Agency, for capacity-building, training, and knowledge-sharing of best practices.
Japan assists the high-level technology initiatives of ADB's member countries through the High-Level Technology Fund. The fund provides grant financing to promote the integration of high-level technology (HLT) and innovative solutions into ADB-financed and -administered sovereign and nonsovereign projects throughout the project cycle. The fund encourages more widespread adoption of HLT to address development challenges in ADB’s developing member countries.
Partnerships play a crucial role in resource mobilization, providing access to specialized expertise, enhancing operational efficiency, scaling up initiatives, and fostering innovation and knowledge sharing across DMCs.
Established in 2006 by the Republic of Korea, the fund contributes to poverty reduction in Asia and the Pacific by improving access to advanced technologies including information and communications technology and facilitating knowledge sharing and partnerships.
This Digital Technology for Development Directional Guide provides the strategic direction of the Asian Development Bank for digital technology.
Director, Digital Technology for Development Division
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ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet.
Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.
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