THE DIGITAL ECONOMY AS AN ALTERNATIVE IN LEBANON: FOCUS ON MICRO, SMALL, AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

The policy brief discusses the potential of transitioning to a digital economy in Lebanon, focusing on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) amidst the country’s ongoing socioeconomic crisis. It highlights the challenges hindering this transition and provides recommendations for government action, partnerships, education, and open data to support the digitalization of MSMEs.

Key Insights

• Lebanon is facing an unprecedented socioeconomic crisis, making the transition to a digital economy crucial for recovery.
• MSMEs, constituting a significant portion of Lebanon’s businesses, face challenges in digital transformation, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Infrastructural challenges, inadequate legislative frameworks, and a lack of digital skills hinder Lebanon’s transition to a digital economy.
• Partnerships between stakeholders, improvements in education, and open data initiatives are essential for supporting the digitalization of MSMEs.
• A holistic national strategy, investment in infrastructure, and updates to legislative frameworks are necessary for a successful transition to a digital economy.

Source: AUB (American University of Beirut)