The influence of macroeconomic infrastructure on supply chain smoothness and national competitiveness and its implications on a country's economic growth: evidence from BRICS countries

Abstract

This study investigates the intricate relationships between macroeconomic infrastructure, supply chain smoothness, national competitiveness, and economic growth within the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This study adopts a quantitative approach with cross-sectional data to examine the interrelationships. The research confirms that macroeconomic infrastructure significantly influences supply chain smoothness and a country's economic growth, underscoring the pivotal role of infrastructure development in enhancing supply chain efficiency and fostering economic expansion. However, rejecting hypotheses regarding the direct impact of supply chain smoothness and national competitiveness on economic growth highlights economic growth dynamics' complex and multifaceted nature within the BRICS context. This study emphasizes the need for nuanced, context-specific strategies to address each BRICS nation's unique challenges and opportunities. Theoretical implications call for a more comprehensive theoretical framework considering the contextual factors influencing economic growth within BRICS countries. Practical implications highlight the importance of strategic infrastructure investments and comprehensive policy approaches that extend beyond isolated factors. Despite its contributions, this study has limitations, including simplifying complex economic relationships and needing more country-specific analyses. Future research should explore broader variables, non-linear relationships, and country-specific nuances to understand economic growth in the BRICS group better.