Measuring the Internet economy in Latin America: the cases of Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico

The adoption of digital technologies is a crucial tool for bridging the productivity gaps between countries in Latin America and the Caribbean and more developed nations, generating new sources of growth, and creating high-quality jobs. Evidence-based policies are needed to harness the potential of these technologies, guide technological change, seize opportunities and mitigate risks. This publication presents an exploratory study conducted in Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico, in which various sources of information are combined, including web data and official statistics, to measure the online activity of businesses.

This methodology allows companies to be classified based on their Internet use, going beyond traditional industrial classifications and giving rise to a new classification. Moreover, the study explores the possibilities offered by big data techniques and tools for enhancing our understanding of the digital transformation and serves as a foundation for future research in this field.