Pandemic Recovery

Capacity building for a neo-industrial pathway to digital development, during or post pandemic times, is an innovative process by which new industrial strategies and intensive digital services expand international trades and promote standards of living. Although past research concentrates more on the development of a CARICOM digital free trade zone to serve regional economic development, less is known about innovative development opportunities and digital services in an economy that may wish to expand international trade and enhance standards of living during a pandemic period. This chapter mainly focuses on a global value chain (GVC) framework to analyze and understand innovative development opportunities in digital services (e.g., software design and content-based services like music and education) in order to expand trade in international markets during pandemic periods. Based on the GVC framework and content analysis, the review of literature shows that innovative industrial strategies, developmental opportunities and comprehensive digital services are widely used in the countries to accelerate their international trade, economic development, and standards of living that promote sustainable development goals during or post pandemic periods. The limitations and implications are discussed.