Determinants of service trade: How information and communication technology-based services are different?

Abstract

The present paper examines the determinants of ICT-enabled service trade, in particular, the relative importance of human and physical capital. The analysis is carried out for 45 major service trading countries as well as for separate country groups classified based on ICT-service trade balance. It is found that mobile connectivity, foreign investment, world demand, growing manufacturing sector, and more favourable business environment are important determinants of net ICT-enabled service exports. The result is in contrast with traditional services like travel and transportation. Broadband connection, as well as mobile, has a significant impact on net export of travel and transportation. Better human capital is favourable for services overall whereas, travel-transport sector engages low-skilled workers. The results have important policy implications for developing countries constrained by the availability of human and physical capital. The service sector, especially ICT-enabled services, can play a critical role in the post-pandemic recovery by generating employment opportunities and ensuring stable foreign exchange earnings.