About the Event
The Center for Emerging Markets will host Mark Esposito for a conversation on his 2025 book, Digitalization in Emerging Economies. Drawing from real-world case studies and global research, Esposito will explore how digital technologies are transforming emerging markets, the critical role of government policies in shaping digital ecosystems, and strategies for leveraging digitalization to achieve inclusive and sustainable development in a rapidly changing world.
Event Speaker
Dr. Mark Esposito is an economist and public policy academic practitioner, who conducts tech policy clinics, worldwide. His research focuses on digitalization, AI, robotics, and their impact on emerging economies. As co-author of Digitalization in Emerging Economies, Esposito brings deep expertise on how digital transformation can drive economic development while addressing challenges like the digital divide, cybersecurity, and privacy. He is recognized globally for his work on technology's role in shaping more equitable and sustainable futures. Mark is also a Faculty Fellow at The Center for Emerging Markets.
About the Book
The big tech revolution has transformed everyday lives across the developed world, but what about the Global South? Digitalization in Emerging Economies offers a comprehensive exploration of how mobile technology, internet connectivity, e-commerce platforms, and digital payment systems are creating a paradigm shift in emerging markets.
This book examines digitalization's transformative potential for businesses, governments, and individuals in developing economies. It highlights both the opportunities—improved access to services, economic growth, and innovation—and the challenges: privacy concerns, cybersecurity threats, and the persistent digital divide.
Through rigorous analysis, Esposito and his co-authors explore:
- The drivers and barriers of digital adoption in the Global South
- The effects of digitalization on industries and labor markets
- The critical role of government policies and digital governance
- Strategies for leveraging digital technologies to achieve inclusive, sustainable development
Digitalization in Emerging Economies is essential reading for anyone navigating the digital landscape in a rapidly changing world and seeking to understand how technology can bridge or widen global inequalities.
Published by Cambridge University Press, March 2025
About the Nardone Family Seminar Series
Made possible by a gift from David R. Nardone, the Nardone Family Seminar Series at the Center for Emerging Markets brings academics and practitioners to Northeastern University to share insights about emerging markets with the Boston community.
The longtime series has hosted over 150 speakers since the Center for Emerging Markets' inception, thanks to Nardone's support. Speakers have discussed topics ranging from family business to climate resilience, fintech trends to medical innovation, corporate governance to international policy, and more. These speakers have similarly come to CEM from a diverse array of academic and professional backgrounds and have shared their knowledge on research, trends, and innovations touching nearly every continent.