Digitalization Processes Development in Asean Regional Integration Association

Abstract

The expansion of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economic capacity appears to be driven by digital factors. Current research analyses the digitalization processes in ASEAN, determines the digitalization strategy for the integration block, provides with the relevant dynamics of digitalization level indicators. The analysis of digital indicators revealed the rapidly growing level of dissemination of information and communication technologies and the dynamic development of the digital economy as a whole. Despite ASEAN's digital potential, a number of problematic issues remained, such as government regulation, protection against digital fraud, and protection of intellectual property rights. A successful initiative for the digitalization development in the Asian Pacific region could be the development of an appropriate legal framework, the development of transport infrastructure, the public-private partnership tools usage and budgetary incentives. For ASEAN member countries leadership in the digital race it seems advisable to organize training sessions, create jobs in digital industries, develop social impact bonds (SIB) projects, and create a global digital ecosystem.

ASEAN’s Digital Integration: Strategic Management, Challenges, Opportunities, and the Role of New Technologies

“…In its 2022 study, Corning investigated the impact of the intricate and fragmented nature of digital trade governance on the digital trade strategies of AMS (ASEAN Member State) and how these strategies, in turn, influenced digital governance within the region (Corning, 2022). Meanwhile, in another definition, it is stated that the digitalization process in ASEAN determines the integration strategy, and provides relevant dynamics and indicators of the level of digitalization (Mirakyan, 2021).…”

“…The distinction between the two terms is further underpinned by their historical evolution. The concept of the digital economy developed first, reflecting the onset of the digital revolution in the late 20th century, whereas the term Internet economy emerged later, with the global spread of the Internet (Economist, 2023;Mirakyan, 2021;Tapscott Don, 2014). The digital economy encompasses a broader range of activities including those performed offline, while the Internet economy specifically focuses on online activities.…”