ICT Development Research Articles

The impact of ICT development on ESG performance: International evidence

Research background: Advances in information and communications technology (ICT) have been a key factor in the transformation of economies and societies around the world. However, the impact of ICT on national ESG (environmental, social, and governance) performance has not been fully explored. Purpose of the article: This study intends to examine the relationship between ICT development and national ESG performance. In addition, this study will investigate the mechanism through which ICT development affect national ESG performance. Methods: This paper uses the panel fixed effects models with panel data from 149 countries between 2003 and 2020. The dynamic panel model is used in the robustness test. Findings & value added: The findings reveal that ICT development promotes national ESG performance through enhancing green innovation and improve human capital. Moreover, the effect of ICT development on national ESG performance is more evident in countries with higher levels of economic development, better government quality, and stronger financial development. The findings in this paper provide useful evidence and insights for countries to formulate policies to improve national ESG performance from the ICT sector.

The impact of information and communication technologies on international trade: A case of Sub-Saharan Africa

The aim of this research is to analyze the effect of information and communication technologies (ICT) on the bilateral trade flows of the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We use the method of generalized least squares (GLS) panel to correct for correlation and heteroskedasticity problems. We have employed the gravity model extended to ICT to examine the effects of key ICT indicators on bilateral exports and imports. The sample includes 44 African countries of the subcontinent, including 43 countries as partners (importers/exporters) and one reporter country (exporter/importer) and covers the period 2010 to 2019. The results show that access to mobile telephony and the internet, as well as the development of e-commerce, have a great potential for improving intra-African bilateral trade and that the effect of ICT is not unequivocal according to the category of flow considered. However, it emerges from these results that the development of ICT as it is today has not yet succeeded in overturning the argument of physical distance as a barrier to trade in sub-Saharan Africa. The key conclusion is that the establishment of better-quality ICT services and infrastructure is more critical to intra-African trade. African policymakers should accommodate sufficient support to establish the ICT infrastructure and expand ICT penetration by reducing the costs of communication, transactions and access to ICT.

Practicality and effectivity of figma-ctllm on poaceae diversity topic in developing critical thinking skills

Creating creative, innovative, and effective learning to improve critical thinking skills along with the rapid development of ICT is a challenge for educators. Therefore, Figma CTL Learning Media (Figma-CTLLM) is a solution to the problem of answering the importance of developing learning media integrated with ICT while developing students' critical thinking skills. This study aims to describe the practicality of Figma-CTLLM on Poaceae diversity in developing critical thinking skills and to describe the effectiveness of Figma-CTLLM on the topic of Poaceae diversity seen from critical thinking skills and student responses. This type of research is Research and Development (R&D) research using the 4D model method (Define, Design, Develop and Disseminate). The research subjects consisted of 26 students. The research instruments were observation sheets to measure the implementation of Figma-CTLLM, CTS test questions sheets and questionnaires to determine student responses. The data analysis technique was quantitatively descriptive by calculating the percentage to describe the practicality and effectiveness of Figma-CTLLM implementation in developing CTS. The results of the analysis of the practicality test of Figma-CTLLM implementation in learning are in the category of very practical. The effectiveness test results were declared very effective by acquiring the average CTS measurement and the average student response assessment. Based on the study's results, the implementation of Figma-CTLLM in learning the diversity of Poaceae has met the criteria of practicality and effectiveness.

Usage of Information technology for the success of managing various stages of the COVID-19 pandemic

This study explores the crucial role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on its impact on surveillance, contact tracing, patient monitoring, telemedicine, artificial intelligence (AI), vaccination logistics, communication, and public education. ICT has facilitated the collection and analysis of real-time data, enabling authorities to make informed decisions about containment strategies. Digital contact tracing systems have been instrumental in limiting the virus's spread, while remote patient monitoring and telemedicine have allowed healthcare services to continue with minimal transmission risk. AI and machine learning have enhanced the speed and accuracy of COVID-19 diagnosis, and ICT has streamlined vaccine distribution and monitoring to ensure equitable access. Additionally, online platforms have played a key role in public education, fostering collaboration among researchers and promoting interdisciplinary research efforts. The study emphasizes that the continued integration of ICT into healthcare systems is critical for addressing future global health crises. However, policymakers must invest in ICT infrastructure, bridge the digital divide, and ensure that marginalized populations have equitable access to these technologies. The findings highlight the importance of ongoing ICT development to improve healthcare outcomes in future pandemics and suggest that collaboration across sectors is essential for maximizing the potential of these digital tools. Ultimately, ICT has been pivotal in the effective management of the COVID-19 pandemic and will be vital in future crisis preparedness.

The impact of ICT development on female employment and household’s well-being in Vietnam

The impact of ICT development on female employment and household’s well-being in Vietnam

BRIDGING THE DIGITAL GAP: ANALYSING THE IMPACT OF ICT DIFFUSION ON INCOME INEQUALITY IN INDONESIA

The development of information and communication technology (ICT) has significantly transformed the socio-economic structure of society, particularly in terms of income distribution. This study aims to analyse the impact of ICT development on income inequality across 34 provinces in Indonesia from 2012 to 2020, employing econometric methods based on panel data through a fixed effects model. Empirical findings reveal that ICT readiness and ICT skills tend to exacerbate income inequality, while ICT use and its quadratic form contribute to reducing it. These results suggest that although ICT infrastructure and skills are crucial, their uneven distribution and utilisation can widen income disparities. Consequently, this study highlights the importance of ensuring equitable access to ICT across Indonesia to mitigate economic inequality. The study's recommendations stress the pivotal role of the government in expanding ICT infrastructure, fostering a research and innovation climate conducive to digital transformation, and formulating policies that enhance ICT skills nationwide. These measures would improve digital literacy, upgrade workforce capabilities, and promote inclusive digital economic growth. Ultimately, comprehensive and equitable ICT development can play a critical role in reducing income inequality across Indonesia.

The impact of information and communication technologies on export diversification: Evidence from developing countries

As economies increasingly rely on digitalization, information and communication technologies (ICT) have become critical in shaping global economic transformations. This study explores the impact of ICT on export concentration and diversification in emerging markets and developing countries. Using a panel data set of 110 countries from 2000 to 2019, the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimator has been employed to assess the short- and long-term effects of ICT on these economies. To summarize information on various ICT channels, an ICT index has been constructed through principal component analysis (PCA). Additionally, the study examines the combined influence of ICT and human capital on export concentration. Findings indicate that ICT development significantly accelerates export diversification in developing countries, aligning their export structures with global standards. The interaction between ICT and human capital positively impacts export concentration, suggesting that higher levels of human capital enhance ICT's effects. Overall, ICT not only boosts human capital but also equips developing countries with the skills needed to enter new markets, develop high-value products, and compete globally. Consequently, governments in developing countries should prioritize investments in ICT infrastructure to lower trade costs, diversify exports, and promote sustainable economic growth.

Financial inclusion, ICT development and economic growth in WAEMU countries: evidence of governance

PurposeThe main objective of this paper is to examine how short- and long-term dynamics can be promoted through economic growth policies, financial inclusion initiatives, institutions and ICT infrastructure development. The study focuses on West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) member countries over for the period 2000–2020 and the empirical evidence is based on the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method. Our empirical results show that the synthetic index variables of financial inclusion, ICT infrastructure development and individual or composite governance institutions indicators are positively and significantly interrelated in both the short and long runs. A dynamic combination of variables is essential for WAEMU countries to achieve long-term economic development. Policy implications are discussed.Design/methodology/approachConsistent with our goal of testing the dynamics of financial inclusion, governance and ICT on economic growth, we will estimate our equations using the ARDL panel method. ARDL models or autoregressive models with staggered or distributed delays are dynamic models. The particularity of these models is that they take into account temporal dynamics (i.e. expectations, adjustment delays and inter alia), so we adopted a lagged autoregressive model (ARDL). The popularity of the ARDL approach also stems from the fact that the cointegration of nonstationary variables is equivalent to an error correction (EC) process.FindingsThe empirical results simultaneously depict strong endogenous associations between these variables in the short and long run. The short-run analysis indicates that economic growth, financial inclusion, institutional quality and ICT infrastructure development are strongly interdependent. These union states, in their economic growth policies, encourage the financial inclusion (access and penetration of bank branches) of disadvantaged communities. However, efficient institutional policies reinforce this sustainable growth. The efficient use of telecommunications infrastructure requires the regulation of informal employment in WAEMU countries for the better deployment of efficient, secure and cost-effective digital financial payment systems (fintech).Research limitations/implicationsThe findings in this study evidently leave space for future research, especially as it concerns considering how composite governance can be employed as a moderating indicator for financial inclusion. In conclusion, there is an interdependence between financial inclusion, ICT, institutions and economic growth. An effective combination of these elements can create an ecosystem conducive to economic development by promoting access to financial services, harnessing the benefits of ICT and building robust institutions. However, challenges can also arise, such as the need for appropriate regulations and security guarantees for electronic transactions.Practical implicationsGovernments should strengthen financial inclusion and promote policies aimed at improving access to financial services, such as microcredits, mobile banking and initiatives for the unbanked. Financial education is crucial for enhancing financial inclusion. Educational programs that teach citizens how to use financial services can increase participation and stimulate economic growth. Moreover, policies should focus on improving digital infrastructure, such as broadband networks and data centers, to facilitate access to the internet and other technologies and to promote innovation and startups. Governments should strive to create a balanced regulatory framework that encourages investment and innovation while avoiding excessive regulation that could hinder growth. Implementing targeted regulatory reforms to improve efficiency and transparency can enhance investor confidence and support a more dynamic economic environment.Originality/valueThis work constitutes a considerable contribution to the literature on finance, institutions and growth in WAEMU countries and in terms of methodology. The findings in this study evidently leave space for future research, especially as it concerns considering how composite governance can be employed as a moderating indicator for financial inclusion. In conclusion, there is an interdependence between financial inclusion, ICT, institutions and economic growth. An effective combination of these elements can create an ecosystem conducive to economic development by promoting access to financial services, harnessing the benefits of ICT and building robust institutions.

Sustainable development in African countries: evidence from the impacts of education and poverty ratio

This paper uses the autoregressive-distributed lag model to investigate the effects of education, poverty, trade volume, ICT development, and GDP per capita on sustainability in the 15 largest African economies from 1999 to 2019. The results show a positive correlation between higher tertiary education rates and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of investing in education for sustainable development. In contrast, higher poverty rates are linked to lower sustainability, highlighting the need for poverty reduction efforts. Increased trade volumes are associated with reduced sustainability, indicating the challenges of trade liberalization policies in achieving sustainability goals. However, ICT development has a significant positive impact on sustainability. Interestingly, higher GDP per capita is linked to lower sustainability, potentially due to unsustainable consumption patterns and social inequalities. Policy recommendations for promoting sustainable development in African countries include targeted measures focusing on education and poverty reduction. Gender-friendly policies and initiatives to eliminate educational disparities, especially among marginalized groups, can enhance human capital development. Additionally, promoting e-businesses and sustainable entrepreneurship, along with attracting foreign investment for sustainable education and employment initiatives, can drive economic growth while minimizing environmental impact and fostering inclusive development.

Impact of Indonesia's ICT Development on Economic Growth

This study examined the influence of Indonesia's information and communication technology (ICT) development on the country's economic growth both in the short term and long term using a systematic literature review methodology. Systematic searches in several databases (Springer, Scopus, Science Gate, Science Direct, Sinta, Routledge Francis & Taylor, and other International Conferences). The included papers are 24 peer-reviewed studies. Results showed a positive impact of ICT development in Indonesia on economic growth both in the short-run and long-run periods. The impact is also indicated by total factor productivity, human capital resources, and capital per worker. However, there's an inequality of income found in Indonesia regarding the development of ICT.

Sustainable financing solutions for the growth of resource-driven economies in the digital economy age

This study examines the effects of sustainable finance and digitalization on economic development in 15 resource-rich nations from 2000 to 2020, utilizing the ARDL-CCEMG technique. The results indicate that digitalization significantly boosts economic growth, with a 1% increase in ICT development leading to a 0.45% short-term and 0.32% long-term growth. Green finance positively impacts long-term growth, though short-term effects are minimal. Positive correlations are found between economic factors such as patent ownership, workforce size, investment, and fossil fuel consumption. The study highlights the need to expand and improve the green finance market to tackle sustainability challenges. Recommended strategies include enhancing green finance through digitalization, fostering sustainable development education, linking FDI to sustainability, improving fossil fuel efficiency via green technologies, and increasing private investment in renewable energy projects.

Heterogeneous effects of information and communication technology development on digital financial consumer protection: Evidence from the global sample

ABSTRACT This study primarily examines the influence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on Digital Financial Consumer Protection (DFCP), utilizing a dataset spanning 88 countries globally from 2014 to 2018, within the context of consumer welfare under diverse socioeconomic conditions. The research confirms a positive relationship between information and communication technology (ICT) evolution and digital finance consumer protection (DFCP) in OECD countries with inclusive institutions, competitive markets, and solid educational foundations. Conversely, a negative correlation is observed between ICT growth and DFCP in countries with moderate gender inequality. The study further confirms that ICT development positively influences DFCP due to contextual conditions (i.e. cybersecurity index, political stability, higher educational level, and market quality). Policy implications emphasize the need to address information inequality and protect consumer rights in the digital era. Measures to curb market monopolies of major tech companies and combat unauthorized data usage are recommended. Additionally, enhancing digital literacy is crucial for harnessing the benefits of ICT and promoting financial consumer welfare. Establishing a practical code of conduct aligned with market needs is also essential for ensuring consumer protection.

How does ICT development in resource-exhausted cities promote the urban green transformation efficiency? Evidence from China

The contradiction between resource depletion and economic growth in resource-exhausted cities is becoming prominent. The role of ICT has been reflected in many policies to promote sustainable urban development. It is necessary to clarify the mechanism of ICT for urban green transformation efficiency (UGTE) in resource-exhausted cities. In this research, 39 resource-exhausted cities in China were selected as the research samples, and panel data were collected for 20 years to assess their ICT development level and their UGTE. The panel regression model, PVAR model, heterogeneity test, and moderating effect test were used to analyze the relationship between the two. The main findings are as follows: (1) ICT has a facilitating effect on UGTE in resource-exhausted cities, with a regression coefficient of 0.170⁎⁎⁎. (2) The improvement of ICT significantly promotes the UGTE in these cities, and the promotional effect reaches a peak after a lag of 6 periods; the original UGTE also has a negative impact on the future ICT development level, and the negative impact reaches a peak after a lag of 6 periods. (3) The promotional effect of ICT on UGTE in resource-exhausted cities consists of being strongest in the eastern region (0.477⁎⁎⁎), then in the central region (0.233⁎⁎⁎), weaker in the western region (0.167⁎⁎), and weakest in the northeastern region (0.080*). (4) The improvement of energy structure, green innovation structure, and urban-rural consumption structure strengthens the promotional effect of ICT on UGTE in resource-exhausted cities. Finally, targeted policy recommendations were proposed.

Rethinking poverty: An econometric analysis of the role of ICT poverty in a global context

In an age of increasing digitalization, it is imperative for policymakers and researchers to grasp the profound impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on poverty. This paper investigates the relationship between ICT poverty and the absolute poverty index across the Global South and North from 2012 to 2022. Furthermore, it assesses the influence of ICT poverty on the risk of poverty or social exclusion in various geographic areas—cities, suburbs/towns, and rural regions—across 28 European countries. Employing a range of panel models, such as fixed/random effects and the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM), the study uncovers significant positive associations between ICT poverty and absolute poverty and the risk of poverty or social exclusion across all geographic areas. Our research indicates that policies aimed at reducing ICT inequality—commonly known as the “digital divide"—are more effective in alleviating poverty than those solely focused on promoting ICT development. Additionally, the study introduces a new policy framework, the ICTs-PGI Triangle, which offers a roadmap for policymakers to mitigate ICT poverty in both the Global South and North. The empirical results highlight the importance of providing equitable digital access and literacy, particularly in rural and marginalized areas, for sustainable poverty reduction. Therefore, this study provides valuable insights into the intricate interplay between digitalization and poverty alleviation strategies, addressing a significant gap in the current literature.

The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence: From Assistance to Super Mind of Artificial General Intelligence? Article 2. Artificial Intelligence: Terra Incognita or Controlled Force?

The article is devoted to the history of the development of ICT and AI, their current and expected future achievements, and the problems (which have already arisen but will become even more acute in the future) associated with the development of these technologies and their widespread application in society. It shows the close connection between the development of AI and cognitive science, the penetration of ICT and AI into various spheres, particularly health care, and the very intimate areas related to the creation of digital copies of the deceased and posthumous contact with them. A significant part of the article is devoted to the analysis of the concept of ‘artificial intelligence’, including the definition of generative AI. The authors analyse recent achievements in the field of Artificial Intelligence. There are given descriptions of the basic models, in particular the Large Linguistic Models (LLM), and forecasts of the development of AI and the dangers that await us in the coming decades. The authors identify the forces behind the aspiration to create AI, which is increasingly approaching the capabilities of the so-called general/universal AI, and also suggest desirable measures to limit and channel the development of artificial intelligence. It is emphasized that the threats and dangers of the development of ICT and AI are particularly aggravated by the monopolization of their development by the state, intelligence services, major corporations and those often referred to as globalists. The article provides forecasts of the development of computers, ICT and AI in the coming decades, and also shows the changes in society that will be associated with them. The study consists of two articles. The first, published in the previous is-sue of the journal, has provided a brief historical overview and characterized the current situation in the field of ICT and AI. It has also analyzed the concepts of artificial intelligence, including generative AI, changes in the understanding of AI related to the emergence of the so-called large language models and related new types of AI programs (ChatGPT and similar models). The article has discussed the serious problems and dangers associated with the rapid and uncontrolled development of artificial intelligence. This second article describes and comments on the current assessments of breakthroughs in the field of AI, analyzes various predictions, and provides the authors' own assessments and predictions of future developments. Particular attention is paid to the problems and dangers associated with the rapid and uncontrolled development of AI, with the fact that advances in this field become a powerful means of control over the population, imposing ideologies, priorities and lifestyles, influencing the results of elections, and a tool to undermine security and geopolitical struggles.

EXPLORING CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS TO ICT ADOPTION AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE IN THE WESTERN BALKAN ECONOMIES

The ICT industry in the Western Balkans presents a highly advanced and favorable sector with substantial potential to positively influence economic development. This sector has demonstrated great potential in creating new employment opportunities for young entrepreneurs, thereby positively impacting the region's export levels. Economic growth models emphasize the role of technology in maintaining productivity and economic development. This paper presents a literature review highlighting the impact of ICT on productivity within the Western Balkans (WB) and the structural convergence of the region. Utilizing secondary data and analyses from various scholars, this review explores different indicators for each country in the Western Balkans: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia. The initial conclusion indicates that while the Western Balkans exhibit a tendency towards productivity convergence among themselves and towards the EU, this progress lags behind the pace of GDP per capita convergence. The impact of ICT development in the region is significant both at the firm level and in terms of overall economic growth, yet it remains behind other regions. Promoting incentives for ICT businesses and fostering innovation is crucial to enhancing the region's economic competitiveness.

Similarities and differences between digitalization indexes

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Digitalization is nowadays one of the fastest developing processes. The adoption of digital technologies can provide innumerous opportunities for the organizations to evolve and gain competitive advantage by leveraging of technologies to respond to dynamic expectations and demands. Information about the country digitalization level is essential to decision makers in both public and private organizations. It can present insights on which areas need the most investment, and furthermore to gain feedback on the outcomes of these investments. For companies, it can create a certain predictability on which products and services will be required the most. To assess the evolution of this process in different countries, various indexes were proposed and employed by different corporations. The Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) and ICT Development Index (IDI) are used by public organizations. Digitalization Index (DiGiX) and Cisco Digital Readiness Index (CISCO) are used by private companies. Comparing two sectors highlights the most common factors of digital evaluation. Indexes are analyzed thoroughly by their structure, coverage, weights, methodology and ranking. The result of the practical work is a equivalence table which shows the percentage of their similarity. Additionally, a new digitalization index is proposed, based on the result of the previous comparison, which can be applied to analyze both public and private sector of the country’s digitalization level. </span></p>

ICT Development Index and Its Role in the FDI - Growth Nexus: Evidence from G-20 Economies

The collective GDP of the G20 nations constitutes over 80% of the global GDP, making them pivotal recipients of significant economic investments in various forms including foreign direct investments. This study delves into the dynamic interplay of ICT development and foreign direct investment (FDI) and GDP nexus among the G20 economies. A comprehensive index is constructed using PCA to gauge ICT development across economies. The study further examines the relationships among FDI, ICT development, and GDP using panel data spanning from 2000 to 2019. The study finds that in the absence of interaction, FDI alone does not exhibit a statistically significant impact on GDP. However, considering the interaction between FDI and ICT, a nuanced pattern emerges. The study discerns that the influence of FDI on GDP is contingent upon the maturity of a country's ICT sector. This suggests the need for policymakers to adopt a more focused approach, tailoring strategies to leverage the interdependence of FDI and ICT for optimal economic growth.

Evaluating impacts of ICT development on wages of workers

At the provincial level, there is a research gap in discussing the causality and internal mechanism between ICT development and wages of workers. The study utilizes the province-level balanced panel data over the period 2006–2021 in China, clarifies the impact and internal mechanism of ICT development on wages of workers, and uses the DID method to identify the causality between the two. This study found that there is a positive correlation between ICT development and workers’ wages, and skill level is a mediate transmission channel. Moreover, ICT development has a positive impact on workers’ wages in the central and western regions. Besides, compared to low-wage workers, high-wage workers gain more information dividends. The findings of this study have reference significance for policymakers. First, for the central and western provinces in China, it is necessary to actively develop the ICT industry, cultivate high-tech enterprises, and improve local ICT development levels. Second, we should improve the skill level of workers and enhance their competitive advantage in employment. Third, each province should continue to expand the enrollment scale of higher education institutions, and improve the quality of labor force.

Does building smart cities necessarily enhance urban ICT development? Insights from a quasi-natural experiment based on Chinese pilot policy

PurposeWith the help of a quasi-natural experiment on Chinese policies, this study aims to understand the actual contribution of Smart City (SC) policies to the development of information and communications technology (ICT) in different cities. It also discusses the social and digital differences that such policies may generate, with a particular focus on the potential for exacerbating urban inequalities.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve this, the study employs a principal component analysis (PCA) to develop an ICT development indicator system. It then employs a difference-in-differences (DID) model to analyze panel data from 209 Chinese cities over the period from 2007 to 2019, examining the impact of SC policies on ICT development across various urban settings.FindingsOur findings show that SC policies have significantly contributed to the enhancement of ICT development, especially in ICT usage. However, SC policies may inadvertently reinforce developmental disparities among cities. Compared to less developed areas, the benefits of SC policies are more pronounced in economically booming cities. This is likely due to the agglomeration of the ICT industry and the strong allure of developed urban centers for high-caliber talent.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the related literature by explaining the role of SC policies in driving ICT development and by focusing on the often-overlooked impact of SC policies on urban inequality. These findings can provide guidance to policymakers on the need to recognize and address existing urban inequalities.