Five Ways Digitalization Can Help Build Global Resilience in 2023

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2023 / Originally published by Ericsson

By Börje Ekholm President & CEO of Ericsson

Ericsson was founded on the premise that communication is a basic human need. Yet, today's biggest inequality may be between the connected and unconnected.

While we need to harness the power of digitalization to face a series of fundamental challenges - economic slowdowns, energy crises and a changing climate - connectivity is a foundation for digitalization, as are the skills to use digital tools.

Around the world, mobile networks play a crucial role in providing connectivity, with more than 6 billion subscribers on mobile networks today - more than the number of toothbrushes.

Let's look at five areas in which digitalization can encourage the resilience we'll need in 2023.

1. Improved networks and coverage

Connectivity is a cornerstone for national resilience. The emergency services, health care and education, are a testament to that.

If the COVID-19 pandemic had happened in 2000, only 6.7% of the world would have had internet access. Can you imagine the absolute standstill our society and economy would have encountered without remote working and education?

With 5G and other modern networks, wireless connectivity can finally be the primary choice of access to technology. The long-range, high bandwidth and low latency of 5G can connect even the most remote regions with cutting-edge opportunities.

2. Economic value unlocked

Just as electrification transformed the 20th century, digitalization will reform the 21st century. Research shows that digital transformation could enable USD 100 trillion of additional value for the world economy by 2025.

A new Ericsson-commissioned study from consulting firm Analysis Mason highlights the potential economic, consumer and environmental benefits of 5G connectivity. The study focused on 15 national emerging markets and showed that 5G rollout would generate overall economic benefits, i.e. an increase in global domestic product, three-to-seven times higher than the incremental cost of extending coverage.

3. Enterprise productivity

How can an enterprise thrive in the face of rising energy prices, uncertain supply chains and natural disasters?

A new Ericsson IndustryLab report on enterprises rethinking resilience found that 90 percent of companies with a well-defined resilience strategy invest in digitalization and automation. That's 50 percent higher than those without a strategy.