DCO Forecasts 9.5% Growth in Global Digital Economy in 2026

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) has released its Digital Economy Trends (DET) 2026 report, projecting 9.5 per cent growth in the global digital economy next year—nearly three times faster than overall world economic growth. The report was unveiled at the Development Finance Conference “MOMENTUM” and highlights the technological and societal forces expected to shape innovation, productivity, and economic activity worldwide.

Drawing on survey data from more than 400 policymakers, economists, and technology experts across 26 countries, DET 2026 identifies 18 major trends poised to influence governments, industries, and societies. Respondents anticipate that the global digital economy will reach around $28 trillion in 2026, representing 22 per cent of global GDP.

DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya said, “The digital economy is reshaping our world with unprecedented speed, and the true test of this new era will be whether its benefits reach everyone. The next wave of innovation will only be as inclusive as the foundations we build today. This report is a call to ensure technology serves as a bridge to opportunity, resilience, and shared prosperity.”

The report points to cybersecurity and ambient intelligence as trends likely to have the most immediate socio-economic impact. Strengthening cyber-resilience is a priority amid sophisticated cyberattacks, rising risks linked to emerging technologies, and gaps in capabilities across nations. Meanwhile, ambient intelligence, enabled by advances in connectivity and localized computing, is expected to integrate seamlessly into daily life, creating efficiencies and novel experiences while highlighting the need for robust safeguards.

Over a three- to five-year horizon, DET 2026 identifies converging frontier technologies as the most transformative factor for the digital economy. Rapid developments in AI are driving progress across robotics, spatial computing, biotechnology, and related fields. These advances offer significant economic opportunities while raising challenges related to workforce adaptation, digital governance, infrastructure resilience, and safety standards.

The report estimates substantial economic value across key sectors of the digital economy. Up to $4.14 trillion could be generated from immersive hybrid technologies, $4.91 trillion from AI-driven workforce transformation, and $3.63 trillion from the transformation of digital trade. Investments in cybersecurity and resilient digital infrastructure are projected to yield around $3.13 trillion in value, underscoring the importance of secure and robust digital systems.

DET 2026 also highlights differences in preparedness across regions and industries. The private sector is generally better positioned to respond to emerging trends, while public institutions may require greater support to close capability gaps and ensure inclusive outcomes. The report, used alongside the DCO’s Digital Economy Navigator, provides policymakers and business leaders with insight into both readiness and future direction, helping guide strategies and investments in the digital space.

By offering a structured, evidence-based assessment of global digital developments, the DCO aims to assist governments, industries, and international partners in harnessing the digital economy’s growth while ensuring equitable access to its benefits.