Will a “dematerialised” economy after coronavirus be more efficient?

By a “dematerialised” economy, we mean an economy where production, commercial real estate and traditional goods retail play a reduced role in favour of services, digital technology and the use of new technologies. What factors are likely to drive this shift to a “dematerialised” economy after the health crisis? A lasting rise in uncertainty and in risk perception, which normally leads to deleveraging, and therefore to a fall in demand for durable goods (capital goods for companies, cars, etc.) in favour of services; A lasting preference, o nc e the lockdown is over, for online purchases over traditional retail; and for home working over office working; A loss of productive efficiency in industry, construction and traditional retail, due to new health standards; Increased concern for climate and environmental issues. Will this “dematerialised” economy be more efficient? This is not obvious. To be sure, the development of the new technologies sector and the use of digital technologies boost productivity. But it is also true that the sector that produces durable goods, which is go i ng to contract, is also highly productive.