ABSTRACT
Many other sectors have already undergone major digital transformations in recent decades, especially in the last few years. In some cases, digital technologies have created the opportunity for developing economies to leapfrog intermediate technology and development stages. For example, widespread adoption of the cell phone has bypassed the need for building extensive landline infrastructure in many countries. The telecommunications sector, however, provides just one example of digital transformation. Other transformations in the healthcare sector (e.g., tele-health and at-home monitoring), personal mobility (e.g., GPS, ride-hailing, and ride-sharing services), education (e.g., virtual and flipped classrooms), and energy sector (e.g., monitoring infrastructure and demand in real time) have brought about increased efficiencies, safety, cost savings, and democratized access to services, among other benefits. A deep dive into the experience of other sectors can provide lessons on how the water sector can prepare for and benefit from the digital transformation.
