EBRD adopts new Digital Approach

• EBRD sets out its Digital Approach for the next five years
• Digital transformation seen as a key enabler for economic transition and impact
• Framework formulates the Bank’s support for responsible, cybersecure digital transition

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has published its Digital Approach 2026-30, setting out how it will harness digital technology to accelerate transition across its regions during the next period of the Strategic and Capital Framework (SCF).

The new Approach builds on the architecture established in the previous SCF, centred on three pillars: (i) strengthening the foundations of the digital economy; (ii) supporting digital adaptation across sectors; and (iii) promoting innovation.

These pillars are complemented by a cross-cutting focus on cybersecurity, reflecting its growing importance for the resilience of increasingly digitalised economies.

The overarching objective of the new framework is to use digitalisation to enhance productivity, competitiveness and resilience across the EBRD’s countries of operation. By embedding digital technology more deeply into economic activity, the Bank is supporting the development of modern, efficient and inclusive market economies.

To achieve this, the Bank will prioritise four areas:

• promote investment to scale up digitalisation, including digital infrastructure, automation and advanced technologies that support clients’ growth and integration into global value chains
• support governance through digitalisation and the promotion of best international digital and cybersecurity standards and practices at both national and client levels
• increase efforts to build digital awareness, skills and expertise, recognising their crucial role in enabling economies and businesses to adapt to technological change
• as a cross-cutting priority, ensure that digital transformation is safe, responsible and cybersecure, helping clients to manage risks and strengthen resilience as digital usage expands.

The EBRD adopted its first Digital Approach in 2022. Since then, it has financed more than 220 projects with a digital component, including through its Go Digital programme and through technical assistance under its Digital Transformation Support and Cybersecurity Resilience programmes. It has also provided more than 3,200 advisory services to support the digitalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises.