Evolution of the Latin American Digital Ecosystem in COVID-19

Abstract

The relevance of digital technology to fight isolation, distribute preventive measures and assist economic systems began to build as early as the installation of the first health measures for covid 19. This study's goal is to analyze Latin America's ability to fulfill this challenge. The following are the conclusions: Latin America's digital ecosystem is at an intermediate degree of development, allowing it to somewhat alleviate the consequences of the epidemic. Also, the rural/urban contrast shows a significant amount of digital marginalization. The digital divide prevents key segments of the population from receiving health information, downloading instructional resources to improve school performance, or purchasing things online. The digital gap is compounded by the fact that most Latin American homes only use the internet for communication and social networking. A home digital resilience index (calculated on the use of the Internet to download health apps, educational apps, perform e-commerce operations and use fintech). It also suggests a lack of technology adoption, but rather a lack of technological integration in manufacturing processes, notably supply networks. The share of the workforce that can telework adds to the labor market disruption in COVID-19.