Global digital economy expected to hit $28trn in 2026, grow 9.5 percent — Report

The digital economy is on track for another outsized leap in 2026, with fresh projections pointing to 9.5 percent growth—more than triple the pace anticipated for the broader global economy. According to the Digital Cooperation Organization’s latest Digital Economy Trends (DET) 2026 report, the sector’s value is set to reach approximately USD 28 trillion next year, representing about 22 percent of worldwide GDP.

Unveiled at the organization’s development finance gathering, the report synthesizes perspectives from more than 400 policymakers, economists, and technology leaders across 26 countries. It highlights 18 macro-trends that will shape the coming year, spanning AI governance, cybersecurity resilience, the flow of data across borders, and the rapid emergence of “ambient” digital layers in everyday environments.

Central to the outlook is a call for inclusive growth as AI and automation spread. The report emphasizes that the promise of the digital economy hinges not just on acceleration, but on whether tools and opportunities reach smaller firms, underrepresented communities, and developing markets—before capability gaps harden into structural divides.

Two priorities that will define 2026

• Cybersecurity on the front line. As attacks grow more sophisticated, cyber-resilience is expected to become a top-tier priority for governments and enterprises alike. The analysis flags widening disparities between nations and institutions, with new risks compounded by the dual impact of generative AI and the eventual arrival of quantum computing. The message: invest across the full stack—people, processes, and infrastructure—or risk systemic exposure.
• The rise of ambient intelligence. A discreet layer of networked sensors, ubiquitous connectivity, and edge AI is set to blend into homes, factories, transport, and urban spaces. This “invisible intelligence” promises richer experiences and fresh productivity gains, but it also demands clear guardrails for safety, privacy, and accountability.

Converging frontier tech will reshape the next three to five years

Beyond 2026, the report spotlights the convergence of AI, robotics, spatial computing, and biotechnology as the most transformative force on the horizon. This fusion is expected to rewire labor markets, test current governance frameworks, and redraw the innovation map.

For the gaming and XR sectors, that convergence is already palpable: spatial computing is moving from niche demos to mainstream utility; digital twins are crossing from industrial workflows to simulation-rich design and entertainment; and mixed reality is evolving from accessory to interface. Teams that unite creative design with secure data practices and responsible AI will be best positioned to capitalize.

Where the upside concentrates

The DET 2026 report quantifies several high-value opportunity pools emerging as digital systems scale globally:

• Immersive and hybrid technologies—digital twins, VR/XR, and spatial computing—could generate roughly USD 4.14 trillion in value.
• AI-accelerated workforce transformation is estimated at about USD 4.91 trillion.
• The holistic modernization of digital trade could add approximately USD 3.63 trillion.
• Stronger end-to-end cybersecurity and resilient digital infrastructure may unlock around USD 3.13 trillion.

These figures underscore how deeply the next wave of growth is tied to experience design, secure data flows, and intelligent automation—areas where gaming engines, simulation, and XR tooling already excel. Expect deeper partnerships between content studios, chipmakers, cloud providers, and industrial software firms as these opportunity pools mature.

Readiness gaps are widening

While the private sector is viewed as largely prepared—94 percent of respondents consider industry ready to act—confidence drops when it comes to public services and everyday users. Only 70 percent see governments as prepared, and just 43 percent believe societies and individuals can keep pace. That disparity points to urgent needs in digital skills, SME enablement, and safety-by-design standards that protect consumers without smothering innovation.

Measuring progress: direction plus readiness

The DET findings pair with the organization’s Digital Economy Navigator, a benchmarking tool that maps national digital maturity. Together, they offer a dual view: where the global digital economy is headed and how capable different stakeholders are of capturing the upsides—useful for policymakers seeking to prioritize investment and for businesses planning cross-border expansion.

Why this matters to gaming and VR

• Immersive tech becomes a macro growth driver. With trillions in projected value, VR/XR and spatial computing shift from speculative bets to strategic infrastructure across entertainment, training, and design.
• Ambient experiences reshape play and creation. Context-aware AI, sensors, and edge compute will enable location-smart games, collaborative worldbuilding, and persistent digital layers that span devices.
• Security and trust take center stage. As content pipelines lean on AI and cloud, studios must harden identity, source integrity, and data governance to remain competitive and compliant.
• Skills move faster than syllabi. Expect demand for 3D creation, simulation, ML ops, and privacy engineering to outstrip traditional training channels, amplifying the need for industry-led upskilling.

2026 is a hinge year

The coming year will test whether the digital economy becomes a bridge to shared prosperity or an engine of deeper inequality. The report’s throughline is clear: broaden access to AI and digital tools, embed safety and accountability, and invest in resilient infrastructure. Do that, and the next wave of growth won’t just lift balance sheets—it will reach classrooms, creative studios, and households worldwide.