• November 12, 2021

Arlington, November 12 – USAID, through the ASEAN-USAID Inclusive Growth in ASEAN through Innovation, Trade and E-Commerce (IGNITE) project, developed the ASEAN Digital Integration Index (ADII). This index measures the digital integration implementation across all ASEAN Member States.

The inaugural ADII offers a fixed point for ASEAN to begin reviewing progress in implementing the ASEAN Digital Integration Framework (DIF) and developing a pathway for digital transformation for ASEAN Member states. This transformation will further assist in COVID-19 recovery efforts and build resilience for MSME’s. This report presents the key findings of the first iteration of this index and highlights initial steps that ASEAN can take to strengthen regional digital integration efforts.

There are a total of 14 recommendations identified in the report that primarily focused on the six pillars of the ADII, which align with the areas of focus identified by the DIF: (1) Digital Trade & Logistics, (2) Data Protection & Cybersecurity, (3) Digital Payments and Identities, (4) Digital Skills & Talent, (5) Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and (6) Institutional & Infrastructural Readiness. In addition to the six pillars, recommendations highlighted coordination and alignment on digital integration efforts across ASEAN and ASEAN statistical measurement capability.

The ADII also scored each of these pillars on a 100 point scale. The results are as follows:

  • Pillar 1, Digital Trade & Logistics, scored a 55.27;
  • Pillar 2, Data Protection & Cybersecurity, scored a 62.81;
  • Pillar 3, Digital Payments & Identities, scored a 58.84;
  • Pillar 4, Digital Skills & Talent, scored a 48.21;
  • Pillar 5, Innovation & Entrepreneurship scored a 49.32; and
  • Pillar 6, Institutional & Infrastructural Readiness, scored a 62. 85

These grades show an apparent strength in Pillar 6, ensuring that the infrastructure and institutions can facilitate digital integration. However, there remains much room for growth, across all pillars.

To read the report in its entirety please click here.

For more information, please contact USAID-IGNITE Chief of Party, Caroline Rubin at .

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