Architecting the Interconnected Economy: A Multilateral Framework for Digital Trade, Taxation, and Data Flows

March 2026​

Welcome to the inaugural edition of the DCO Policy Intelligence Report, a comprehensive resource that forms the basis of the DCO Policy Watch and provides an in-depth analysis of the key policy issues shaping the global digital economy.

In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and profound geopolitical shifts, this first edition explores the critical role of strong domestic digital foundations as a launchpad for global engagement and economic opportunity. It also examines the evolving global digital landscape, shaped by the competing forces of integration and rising digital protectionism—from WTO-led cooperation on e-commerce to the expansion of data localization requirements and unilateral digital services taxes.

Focusing on three foundational pillars of the digital economy—digital trade, digital taxation, and cross-border data flows—the report provides a structured framework for navigating this increasingly complex environment. It analyzes the policy landscape for each pillar, emerging regulatory models, and the growing role of agile “minilateral” partnerships, offering actionable insights to support the development of national strategies that foster innovation, enable trade, and safeguard digital sovereignty.