On October 16, 2024, the ECO Secretariat hosted the virtual Workshop on Measuring the Digital Economy, jointly with the Islamic Republic of Iran, gathering representatives from across the region to explore the digital economy’s evolving role in national development. The workshop aimed to enhance understanding of how to accurately measure and assess the digital economy, emphasizing the importance of data-driven approaches in capturing its economic impact, which is vital for innovation, job creation, and sustainable growth.
The professionals from the ICT Research Institute of the Islamic Republic of Iran shared their experiences and practices in measuring the digital economy, providing valuable insights for other ECO Member States. Mr. Zeinolla Kalymbetov, ECO Transport and ICT Program Officer, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to fostering cooperation on digital transformation and highlighted the need for accurate measurement to inform policy decisions. The workshop covered various topics, including the fundamentals of the digital economy, quantitative measurement concepts, and international guidelines. Participants discussed methodologies, challenges in collecting reliable statistics, identifying stakeholders, and implementing effective measurement plans, which will aid countries in improving their assessments and shaping future policies.
