Digitalisation is changing the practice and context of governance. This report aims to provide an overview of the key learnings from UNDP's work at the intersection of governance and digital technology, draw some conclusions about the implications of emerging technologies for the future of governance, and point in the direction of future work in this area. It draws on the insights and lessons learnt from the implementation of the Technology for Democracy project funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and on consultations with development practitioners from across the globe.

The report explores the implications of emerging technologies first for the 'governance of digitalisation' – that is, the governance arrangements required to ensure that digital transformation is rights-based, inclusive, and supports the achievement of the SDGs – and secondly for the 'digitalisation for governance' – the implications of digital technologies for accountable, inclusive, and effective governance.

The 'Programming Pointers for Practitioners' Guidance Note that accompanies this report summarises key issues around the relationship between digital technology and governance and aims to distil the complexities of this intersection into concise, accessible, and impactful insights. It is intended as a resource to support practitioners in their programming efforts. The recommendations contained in this report should be considered as suggested starting points, with more detailed assessment of context and intervention before initiating programming.