IISD is a globally recognized think tank with more than three decades of experience addressing the world’s most pressing sustainable development challenges. We combine deep technical expertise with a collaborative approach to research, policy advice, and hands-on support to help translate ideas into practical, lasting solutions.
Our impact is driven by four interconnected pillars: generating and sharing knowledge; providing strategic policy advice; implementing solutions through capacity strengthening; and engaging key stakeholders to influence change. Through this approach, we produce rigorous evidence, shape effective policies, build institutional capacity, and convene diverse partners to advance sustainable development outcomes.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
- Would you like to tell us how IISD’s work and activities specifically touch upon e-commerce and the digital economy?
IISD’s work on e-commerce and the digital economy focuses on helping developing countries engage more effectively in the fast-evolving landscape of digital trade. As digital regulation becomes increasingly central to global commerce, we support governments in understanding emerging issues, defining coherent policy approaches, and navigating international rulemaking processes.
We track and analyze developments in digital trade governance to offer clear, actionable insights on their implications for developing economies. In parallel, we provide tailored capacity-building for developing and least developed country negotiators, strengthening their ability to participate in global digital trade discussions, including those at the WTO.
Through this combination of evidence-based analysis and practical support, IISD helps countries build the capabilities they need to engage in digital trade negotiations, articulate their priorities, and shape rules that support inclusive, development-oriented outcomes.
- What type of support do you offer to enable digital prosperity for all and accelerate the inclusive growth of the digital economy?
As cross-border digital commerce accelerates, countries are increasingly turning to bilateral, regional and plurilateral trade agreements to create more predictable and open conditions for digital trade. Yet many smaller and more vulnerable developing economies risk being left behind due to gaps in regulatory readiness and limited experience with fast-evolving digital trade negotiations. Limited participation also means that emerging global rules may not fully reflect inclusive development priorities, potentially widening existing digital divides.
Our work focuses on two key areas:
• Timely research and analysis: We provide accessible, policy-relevant insights on digital trade and regulatory issues—particularly those emerging in trade agreements—to help governments shape their digital trade policies and engage strategically in international discussions.
• Strengthening negotiating capacity: We deliver targeted capacity-building for trade negotiators, supporting them to understand current digital trade negotiations, assess trade-offs, and develop positions aligned with national priorities.
By combining analysis with practical support, IISD helps developing economies strengthen their digital trade policies, participate more effectively in negotiations, and contribute to shaping inclusive, balanced, and development-oriented digital trade rules.- According to your organization, what are the key challenges that developing countries will have to tackle in order to fully reap the benefits of e-commerce for sustainable development?
Developing countries face several interconnected challenges in shaping their digital governance frameworks and engaging effectively in digital trade rulemaking.
1. Regulatory readiness gaps: Digital trade governance is evolving rapidly, and many developing economies are still in the process of establishing or updating their domestic regulatory frameworks. This makes it difficult to assess the implications of potential international commitments and creates uncertainty about how to engage in rulemaking while preserving the policy space needed to support national development priorities.
2. Limited negotiating capacity amid growing complexity: Policymakers must navigate an expanding set of digital issues across multiple negotiation forums. A fragmented global landscape and differing approaches among major economies add complexity, making it harder for smaller economies to position themselves effectively.
3. Resource constraints that limit participation: Limited financial, technical, and human resources hinder many developing countries from tracking negotiation processes, attending key meetings, and contributing meaningfully to emerging rules.
Given these challenges, accessible, timely technical analysis and targeted capacity-building support are essential to help developing countries shape their digital governance frameworks, participate effectively in digital trade negotiations, and pursue inclusive, development-oriented outcomes in the digital economy.- What prompted IISD to join a multi-stakeholder partnership such as eTrade for all and what are your expectations out of it?
IISD joined eTrade for all because policymakers are facing increasingly complex trade-offs when shaping digital regulatory frameworks—balancing innovation, addressing social risks from emerging technologies, and navigating divergent digital trade approaches in a multipolar world. Effectively implementing new digital frameworks requires a nuanced understanding of these complexities, and multi-stakeholder perspectives are essential to achieving that balance.
eTrade for all offers an ideal platform to bring these perspectives together. It facilitates the exchange of expertise and fosters more informed, inclusive dialogue on digital policy. Being part of this community also enables IISD to:
Stay current with the work of other organisations active in digital regulation, enhancing opportunities to share evidence and align approaches to digital trade negotiations; and
Build partnerships with other organisations to deliver support that leverages IISD’s strengths with those of other actors in the space.
This engagement reflects IISD’s commitment to advancing a digital economy that is inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with long-term development priorities.- Is there something else you would like to share with the eTrade for all community?
IISD looks forward to collaborating with the eTrade for all community to advance inclusive and sustainable digital development, and to strengthen support for developing countries as they navigate emerging opportunities in the digital economy.