Foreword 3

Reader’s guide 7

Executive Summary 11

Chapter 1  DIGITAL PRIORITIES, POLICIES AND GOVERNANCE 15

 Key findings 17

 Introduction 17

 Digital government remains the top digital policy priority, with growing focus on cybersecurity and technology development 18

 National digital strategies are increasingly developed by bodies dedicated to digital affairs 20

 Mapping the national digital policy landscape beyond national digital strategies 22

 Conclusion 27

 Annex 1.A. The Going Digital Integrated Policy Framework 2026 28

 Annex 1.B. National digital strategies 29

 Annex 1.C. Digital policy priorities 31

 Annex 1.D. Country coverage 32

 References 33

 Notes 33

Chapter 2  TRENDS IN ACCESS AND CONNECTIVITY 35

 Key findings 37

 Introduction 38

 Developments in connectivity: Where do we stand? 38

 Special focus: Submarine cables to support next-generation networks 47

 Main trends in connectivity policy and regulation 51

 References 60

 Notes 64

Spotlight  POWERING AI PROGRESS: THE FUTURE OF COMPUTE 67

 Introduction 69

 Compute in the AI stack: Bottlenecks and opportunities 69

 The economics of AI compute: Investment, appropriate access and market dynamics 75

 Planning for the future: Compute as a foundation for shared AI progress 77

 References 78

 Notes 81

Chapter 3  DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY DIFFUSION AND THE ECONOMY 83

 Key findings 85

 Introduction 85

 Diffusion of data-driven technologies: Current and future trends 85

 Trends and drivers of AI use by businesses and individuals 91

 Beyond adoption rates: ICTs as drivers of economic growth and resilience 97

 Maximising the benefits of digital technologies for the economy and society 103

 Annex 3.A. Methodology for the diffusion path forecasts and regression tables 104

 Annex 3.B. Methodology for nowcasting AI uptake in enterprises in 2025 105

 Annex 3.C. Methodology for ICT linkages and results 107

 References 108

 Notes 109

Spotlight  THE INNOVATION LANDSCAPE OF PRIVACY-ENHANCING TECHNOLOGIES 113

 Introduction 115

 Research, open-source development and patent filings in PETs have surged since 2015, partly driven by regulatory incentives 116

 Generative AI and blockchain drive the current wave of research and innovation on PETs 118

 Health and finance are the most active application domains for PETs 120

 International patent filing trends reveal divergent national concentrations and specialisations in PETs between 2010 and 2022 122

 Limited awareness, unclear return on investment and regulatory uncertainty remain primary barriers to PETs adoption 124

 Governments and regulators deploy co-ordinated complementary measures to accelerate adoption of PETs 125

 Annex 2.S.A. Glossary and typology of privacy-enhancing technologies 127

 Annex 2.S.B. Methodology 128

 References 131

 Notes 133

Chapter 4  LEVELLING UP CHILD WELL-BEING IN VIDEO GAMING 137

 Key findings 139

 Introduction 139

 The features of games and gaming environments 140

 How much do children game and how does gameplay relate to school performance? 146

 What are the benefits of gaming for children? 154

 What are the downsides of gaming for children? 157

 Challenges for ensuring safe gaming spaces for children now and in the future 160

 Annex 4.A. Methodology and results: Gaming and school performance 162

 References 164

 Notes 169

Spotlight  GROWING OLDER IN THE AI AGE 171

 Introduction 173

 Older adults are increasingly adopting digital technologies, including those with AI capabilities 173

 Older adults and AI: Adoption, opportunities, barriers and risks 178

 Policy approaches to support older adults in the AI age 182

 References 184

Statistical Annex 189

 ICT access and usage indicators 190

 Experimental estimates of economic activity 223

 Communication markets indicators: OECD communication price baskets 235

 References 256

List of Figures 257

List of Tables 259

List of Boxes 261