Regional Digital Trade Integration Index 2.0: A Guide :ESCAP-ECA-ECLAC Initiative on Digital Trade Regulatory Integration

Abstract

This RDTII Guide, now in its second edition, serves as a handbook designed to assist policymakers and policy researchers in analyzing digital trade regulations. The Guide complements RDTII version 2.0, a common framework developed in collaboration with the European University Institute and utilized by ESCAP, ECA and ECLAC for digital trade regulatory analysis. Users of this guide are recommended to use it in conjunction with the ESCAP-ECA-ECLAC Digital Trade Regulatory Review for Asia-Pacific, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, 2023 and 2024 versions. The guide provides essential explanations of the structure and rationale of RDTII 2.0, along with guidance on data collection and sources. It is also useful for those who will use the index and related indicators for policy analysis. The RDTII framework, a multidimensional cross-economy index of digital trade regulatory integration, is expected to require continuous adjustments as the challenges and policy trade-offs associated with the fast-growing digital trade and the global digital economy are better understood. As such, this guide is considered a living document to be updated as the United Nations Regional Commissions and partners work together to further improve the index and the data collection process.