The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on global trade; and services is arguably the hardest-hit sector. This is particularly true for services that traditionally have required in-person contact (e.g., professional and tourism services) since changing consumer preferences and government containment measures had made operations challenging during the pandemic. These difficulties prompted people and businesses to adopt new solutions at an unprecedented speed, including digitalizing services delivery.

This policy brief explores the convergence between digitalization and services, and how that intersection can make an economy more resilient to shocks. It analyses some of the available services statistics, highlights the role of digitalization in services access and provision, and offers policymakers a set of recommendations to drive growth in digital services.