To the editor,
In a recently published correspondence, the author suggests creative ways to provide a sense of direction toward the creation of a better, post-pandemic society through the proper mechanisms of a temporary waiver of intellectual property on COVID-19 vaccines.1 This paper wants to add to this discussion, specifically on the ramping up of technology transfer knowing that third-world countries are behind in terms of vaccine preservation, delivery and procurement.2
Harnessing digital technologies is of much help especially to the third-world country, such as the Philippines. NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon had pointed this out when she said, ‘the use of digital technologies in the Philippines … is still below its potential, with the country’s digital adoption generally trailing behind many regional neighbors. The “digital divide” between those with and without the internet leads to unequal access to social services and life-changing economic opportunities’.3 Increasing digital adoption for the government, businesses and citizens is a critical issue to facilitate important information and easily adapt to the post-COVID-19 society.
A special report conducted by the World Bank provides a thorough analysis of the obstacles to digitalization and identifies key reforms and policy measures that could help the Philippines harness the potential of the digital economy. The study uses the CHIP (Connect, Harness, Innovate, Protect) conceptual framework to analyze the requirements to accelerate digital transformation. This particular framework focuses on four key drivers of digitalization: (i) Connect, which refers to a set measures to build the digital foundation and enablers such as digital infrastructure for participation in the digital economy; (ii) Harness, which points to needed investments in analog complements such as skills, regulations and institutions to leverage the old economy; (iii) Innovate, which refers to expanding the new economy services, digital payments, digital entrepreneurship and e-government and (iv) Protect, which focuses on mitigating the risks in the digital economy.4
References
- 1.Del Castillo FA. Temporary waiver of intellectual property on Covid-19 vaccines: toward the creation of a better, post-pandemic society. J Public Health 2021. doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdab184. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 2.OECD: Better Policies for Better Lives , Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines for developing countries: An equal shot at recovery . https://www.oecd.org/coronavirus/policy-responses/coronavirus-covid-19-vaccines-for-developing-countries-an-equal-shot-at-recovery-6b0771e6/ (3 June 2021, date last accessed).
- 3.The World Bank , Harnessing Digital Technologies can help Philippines overcome impact of pandemic, hasten recovery. https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2020/10/05/harnessing-digital-technologies-can-help-philippines-overcome-impact-of-pandemic-hasten-recovery (3 June 2021, date last accessed).
- 4.The World Bank . Philippines Digital Economy Report 2020: A better normal under COVID-19: Digitalizing the Philippine economy now. Washington: World Bank publications, 2020, 1–2. [Google Scholar]