As the world begins to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, technological advances, such as the internet of things (IoT) and related technologies, have offered an exceptional opportunity to help build a more prosperous and sustainable future. The pandemic has emphasized the importance of IoT and related technologies in people’s lives and work; from contact tracing to wearable devices, these technologies provide critical data to curb the spread of the virus, saving lives and allowing businesses and governments to continue operating. As dependence on connected devices and networks continues to grow, however, so do risks and governance challenges in areas such as security, privacy, sustainability, interoperability and equity.

The State of the Connected World 2023 Edition aims to examine the current state of governance gaps on IoT and related technologies, establishing a clear priority for action for businesses and government leaders to address risks and maximize benefits.