Based on an expert survey of 16 TLDs (14 ccTLD, 2 geoTLD) across Africa, Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific, the study evaluates governance models, accessibility policies, pricing strategies, marketing practices, and revenue structures.
The study started at the end of 2024, finished in October 2025.
Data source: expert survey of ccTLD and geoTLD administrators and registries (President and CEO, Project manager, ICT & Internet Governance Manager, Data Protection Officer (DPO), Product Marketing Manager, Operations and Corporate Affairs Manager, Business and Operations Manager).
Its core objective is to determine whether treating a TLD as a digital product—with defined KPIs, market analytics, registrar partnerships, and diversified income streams—correlates with stronger performance indicators such as delegation rates, active usage, and retention.
The research examines the balance between public-interest mission and competitive positioning, highlighting the structural tension between local trust and market dynamism.
It identifies key growth drivers, including economic development, PR visibility, and open registration policies, while also assessing constraints such as geopolitical pressure and competition from gTLDs.
The attention is given to lifecycle metrics, renewal price sensitivity, namespace health, and the financial sustainability of registry operations. The findings demonstrate that accessibility, sustainable pricing, and consistent brand narrative materially influence long-term scalability and ecosystem resilience.
Ultimately, the study might be a base for strategies of registry operators, policymakers, and Internet governance stakeholders seeking to strengthen territorial digital identities while ensuring operational stability and measurable growth.