Hanne Melin, member of the eBay Inc. Public Policy Lab, along with Saemunder Finnbogason, a research student at Lund University in Sweden, published an article in the OECD Observer entitled "Technology Powered Trade: Energizing Sustainable Development in International Trade".

In the article, Melin and Finnbogason explain how technology can assist small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) access the global marketplace and build multinational operations.  For decades, international trade has been almost solely reserved for large corporations.  However, as Melin and Finnbogason point out, “technology is reshaping the international trade landscape, and the changes are real and quantifiable”.

In the article, they explain that the European Union desires that international trade contribute to promoting sustainable development, which includes economic growth, social development and environmental protection.  According to their analysis, Melin and Finnbogason suggest that technology-enabled trade especially promotes the economic pillar of sustainable development “by opening up world markets to small exporters”. 

However, they later argue that policymakers need to develop trade policies that encourage technology-enabled SMEs to participate in the global marketplace.  Harmonising customs procudures, raising minimum thresholds and promoting regulatory standards that support digial payments, are all policies that should be considered by policymakers interested in achieving sustainable development.  In addition, Melin and Finnbogason recommend that policymakers take steps to make trade more green, such as simplifying and streamlining transportation and ensuring the Internet backbone is clean in and of itself.

For more information on Melin and Finnbogason’s research on technology-enabled trade and to read their article, please click here and turn to page 24.