This study aims to examine the impact of COVID 19 on digital trends in developing countries and LDCs in light of their pre-existing structural barriers to e-commerce growth. It also looks into the possible means for them to leapfrog the digital divide and catch-up with an accelerating race to a digitalied global trade and economy.
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, digital channels have become the primary means of communication and the basis for stable supply chains. The world is witnessing a spike in online B2C and B2B purchases of physical products and digital services, as many consumers resorted to online shopping. And the so-called disruptive technologies are demonstrating their vital role in fighting the pandemic and ensuring the survival of people and businesses.
COVID-19 gave a glimpse to a future where platform-based/digital businesses and ecommerce are the lead drivers of trade and the economy. However, not everyone was ready for this unexpected digital economy quantum leap. In fact, the already existing digital-divide among countries as well as within countries often determined the winners and losers from this great shock and transformation.
This study aims to examine the impact of COVID 19 on digital trends in developing countries and LDCs in light of their preexisting structural barriers to e-commerce growth. It also looks into the possible means for them to leapfrog the digital divide and catch-up with an accelerating race to a digitalised global trade and economy.