TL;DR:
- Huawei convened a Digital Economy Development Forum at MWC Barcelona 2025, featuring global policymakers and industry leaders.
- The forum addressed challenges and opportunities in the digital economy, emphasizing digital infrastructure and collaboration.
- Key takeaways included the need for ubiquitous connectivity, digital transformation, and talent development.
- The event highlighted the importance of open ecosystems and cross-regional collaboration for a thriving digital economy.
Huawei recently hosted a Digital Economy Development Forum during Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2025, gathering prominent policymakers, industry association heads, consulting experts, and industry leaders to discuss the future of the digital economy. The forum, themed “From Insight to Impact for a Thriving Digital Economy,” featured David Wang, Director of the Board and Chairman of the ICT Infrastructure Managing Board at Huawei, who opened the event. Notably, Malaysia’s Communications Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, contributed to the discussion.
The forum explored the opportunities and challenges presented by the accelerating digital economy, focusing on the necessity of robust digital infrastructure, strong industry collaboration, and open digital ecosystems. Participants shared recommendations on digital strategies and roadmaps for high-quality global digital economy development.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital Economy
The rapid adoption of digital technologies such as AI, 5G-A, and green energy is driving increased productivity and economic growth. With over 170 countries having released national digital development strategies, the digital economy has become a significant global driver. However, disparities in digitalization persist across regions, and common challenges include:
- Stimulating digital demand to drive economic growth.
- Developing effective roadmaps for building digital infrastructure.
- Establishing methods for measuring digital economy development.
- Achieving a high quality and sustainable digital economy.
Huawei’s Vision for Digital Economy Development
David Wang outlined five key ways ICT infrastructure can drive digital economy development, drawing from global success stories:
- Ubiquitous connectivity is essential for a thriving digital economy.
- Accelerated digital and intelligent transformation by governments and industries is crucial.
- Future-oriented industry policies stimulate digital economy vitality.
- Increased digital talent training is necessary to address the global talent shortage.
- Open and collaborative industry ecosystems enhance digital economy resilience.
Wang emphasized the importance of cross-regional collaboration and robust industry ecosystems, stating, “A thriving digital economy needs a wide array of digital technologies. No single country or company can do it all alone.”
Collaboration and Future Outlook
Attendees shared insights and best practices on digital transformation, advocating for future collaboration. Jeffrey Zhou, ICT Marketing President of Huawei, affirmed Huawei’s commitment to working with industry partners to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.
Huawei’s Global Digitalization Index (GDI), released in 2024, provides a tool for countries to assess their ICT industry maturity and offers recommendations for digital economy development.
MWC Barcelona 2025, held from March 3 to March 6, showcased Huawei’s latest products and solutions at stand 1H50 in Fira Gran Via Hall 1. Huawei continues to collaborate with global carriers and partners to accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world.
For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwc2025