Foreword

The Latin American Economic Outlook (LEO) analyses critical aspects related to sustainable and inclusive development in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Since the LEO’s launch in November 2007, the annual report has compared LAC’s performance with that of other regions, analysed main development challenges and put forward policy recommendations, experiences and good practices.

The LEO benefits from the expertise and inputs of co-authors. Since 2011, the LEO has been published in conjunction with the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). In 2013, the CAF – Development Bank of Latin America joined the team of authors. Since LEO 2018, the European Commission joined as a main partner.

This 13th LEO, Digital Transformation for Building Back Better, focuses on the role of digital transformation as a tool to foster development in the region, in particular in the context of the current coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis. It emphasises the need for a comprehensive approach, with national development plans (NDPs) aligned with digital agendas (DAs), and international partnerships, which are essential to reap the benefits of the digital transformation. It also presents macro-structural challenges in the context of the pandemic and urges implementation of further national and international actions for a response in the region. The unprecedented crisis comes at a time of high aspirations and reinforces the need to transform the region’s development model.