Digital technologies offer new ways for companies to grow and be more productive. However, it is not completely clear how investments in new technologies impact productivity. This World Economic Forum white paper addresses that issue by analysing the business value impact of new technology investments and providing recommendations for maximizing that value. It includes an econometric analysis of the productivity impact of new technologies using data from a sample of over 16,000 companies from 14 industries and an analysis, through interviews and workshops with industry leaders, of key enablers and execution principles to maximize the return on digital investments.

The white paper also profiles Iberdrola and how its model of investing in multichannel collaboration for innovation helps SMEs. The data shows that gains are not evenly distributed. SMEs in particular, often the driver of national economies, could suffer from competitive disadvantages.