UNITED NATIONS – A recent United Nations report has revealed a global shift in investment patterns, with capital increasingly flowing into data and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure rather than traditional physical assets.
According to the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), investments in digital technologies, including cloud computing, AI, and data centers, are accelerating, particularly in developed economies. The report highlights that intangible assets are now becoming the primary drivers of value creation, reshaping the global investment landscape.
In contrast, foreign direct investment (FDI) in manufacturing and physical infrastructure has seen stagnation or decline, especially in developing countries. This imbalance raises concerns about widening global inequality, as nations lacking digital infrastructure risk being left behind in the emerging knowledge economy.
UNCTAD officials emphasized the need for international cooperation to ensure inclusive growth, calling for stronger regulatory frameworks, investment in digital skills, and fair access to data. The report also noted that global FDI flows grew modestly in 2023, but the benefits remained unevenly distributed.
Analysts warn that without proactive policy measures, the growing divide between digitally advanced and lagging economies may deepen, undermining global development goals.
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