Information And Communication Technology Industry Research Articles

How much is too much? Inter-city brokerage in ICT industry innovation networks

ABSTRACT In today’s world, where global connectivity drives economic growth, it is essential to understand how cities can leverage intercity networks for innovation. This study explores the role of strategic network brokerage in enhancing cities’ innovation performance in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. We propose an inverted U-shaped relationship between inter-city network brokerage and ICT innovation performance, suggesting that optimal brokerage levels can maximize innovation outputs. Furthermore, we anticipate that city ICT specialization and internet maturity will positively moderate this relationship. Our analysis, using negative binomial regression on a panel of 65 cities from 2002 to 2015, largely supports our hypotheses, highlighting that cities with advanced ICT capabilities achieve higher levels of innovation at the same brokerage level. We discuss the implications of these findings for city policymakers and ICT firms.

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.

Achieving the United Nations sustainable development goals – innovation diffusion and business model innovations

Purpose The study aims to analyse the race towards green development and United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the cases of Huawei and Shell. Both companies are the leaders in their respective industries. Huawei is an example case study representing the information and communications technology (ICT) industry whereas Shell is an example case study representing the oil and gas industry. The research analyses of the races in achieving UN SDGs were undertaken based on the innovation diffusion framework with the use of machine learning algorithms trained to extract data on sustainability activities and initiatives. Design/methodology/approach The research analyses the two case studies of Huawei and Shell. The research was undertaken through the steps of training machine learning algorithms, industry benchmarking and evaluating the performance of the race. The analyses regarding the activities and initiatives of Huawei and Shell in contributing towards SDGs are based on the data in the past 10 years (Years 2010–2019) using machine learning to extract data on sustainability activities and initiatives. In the case of Huawei, 313 sustainability reports were fed to the unsupervised machine learning algorithms revealing 15,101 sustainability actions and initiatives related to UN SDGs in the ICT industry. In the case of Shell, 2,015 sustainability reports were fed to the unsupervised machine learning algorithms revealing 47,365 sustainability actions and initiatives related to UN SDGs in the oil and gas industry. Findings The analyses of findings revealed that Huawei and Shell performed very well in progressing towards the UN SDGs. Huawei had strong performance in the ICT industry with regard to SDGs No. 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12 and 16 while Shell had strong performance in the oil and gas industry with regard to SDGs No. 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 12 and 16. Both companies had placed a focus on achieving SDG 12 responsible consumption and production, SDG 7 affordable and clean energy and SDG 4 quality education. The synthesised business model innovations of Huawei and Shell had shown their environmental, social and governance strategies – Huawei’s 2030 vision for green development and Shell’s 2050 vision for net zero emissions. Practical implications The five pillars of people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership according to the UN 2030 agenda for sustainable development have shown the way a company operates to promote sustainable eco-systems. The extent to which both Huawei and Shell link corporate strategies to the UN SDGs has reflected their implementation progress. Furthermore, the business model innovations of Huawei and Shell provides a useful framework which can be applied to encourage other companies/organisations in various industries to undertake ESG activities in practice. Originality/value The main contribution of this research is the application of machine learning algorithms and the innovation diffusion model in analysing the SDGs performance. The study applies the innovation diffusion framework to explore strategic actions and initiatives of Huawei and Shell in transitioning towards sustainability. The use of machine learning algorithms has identified their sustainability approach in achieving the UN SDGs.

Growing Technological Relatedness to the ICT Industry and Its Impacts

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, industries across various sectors are increasingly leveraging information and communication technologies (ICT) to drive innovation and gain a competitive edge. Our study reveals that, as industries become more closely connected to the ICT sector, they experience a significant shift in their innovation processes and outcomes. By analyzing 1.3 million U.S. patents granted between 1981 and 2010, we demonstrate that industries with stronger ties to the ICT sector (i.e., higher “ICT-closeness”) exhibit a greater proportion of ICT technologies in their patent portfolios and enhanced complementarity between ICT and non-ICT patents. Furthermore, ICT-Closeness results in greater innovation efficiency (the number of patents per R&D capital), recombinant creation (the creation of new technological combinations), recombinant reuse (the refinement and reuse of known technological combinations), and the creation of new business models. These findings have important implications for practitioners. Specifically, our research highlights the importance of strategically integrating ICT into their technological innovations. Managers should actively seek opportunities to collaborate with and learn from the ICT sector to enhance their innovative capabilities, create new products, services, and business methods, and ultimately gain a competitive advantage. However, they must also be prepared for the heightened competition that comes with increased ICT-closeness, as it can lead to winner-take-all dynamics and market turbulence.

Consumer Behaviour on AI Applications for Services: Measuring the Impact of Value-Based Adoption Model on Luxurious AI Resorts’ Applications

Abstract Focussing on consumer behaviour analysis derived from the changes in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), the purpose of this study is to analyse the primary content factors that influence consumers’ attitudes and behavioural intentions in the hospitality industry. The present study is the first to investigate how benefits (happiness and perceived immersion) and sacrifices (trust and changes in habits) can predict consumers’ attitudes of acceptance and willingness to pay for artificially intelligent (AI) luxurious resort applications (apps). The researchers employed structural equation modelling to analyse the relationship between technology adoption and specific factors that influence customers’ perceived value in the hospitality industry. The research aims to expand on the theory of the Value Adoption Model (VAM). Based on the findings, AI-powered apps for high-end resorts have a tendency to boost tourists’ confidence and willingness to use and pay for these apps, as well as increase their perceived value. Happiness has an impact on behavioural intentions, while perceived immersion and changes in habits influence the outcomes related to intentions to ultimately accept and purchase them. The findings can benefit both ICT and the hospitality industry. Managers in the ICT industry should collaborate with researchers in service management who are exploring the challenges of technology adoption. Managerial implications and recommendations for future research are extensively provided.

Cloud-Based Accounting Information Systems and Financial Reporting Quality of Listed Information and Communication Technology Firms in Nigeria

The confluence of cloud-based Accounting Information Systems (AIS) adoption and financial reporting quality within Nigeria's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector is explored in this study. Given the dynamic landscape of the ICT industry characterized by technological advancements, evolving market dynamics, and regulatory shifts, ICT firms are increasingly turning to cloud-based AIS to streamline their accounting processes and adapt to changing business requirements. The population of the study consists of all eight (8) Information and Communication Technology (ICT) enterprises that are listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group as of 31st December 2022. As a result, this study delves into the impact of Cloud-Based AIS adoption on the Financial Reporting Quality of Listed ICT Firms in Nigeria over a decade-long period from 2013 to 2022. Utilizing a Panel Regression Technique (Random Effect Model), the study identifies a significant overall effect of Cloud-Based AIS on the Financial Reporting Quality of Listed ICT Firms in Nigeria. Moreover, it highlights the significant influence of Cloud Security Investment on financial reporting quality among ICT firms in Nigeria, while Cloud Expenditure Growth is found to have no statistically significant effect. The study emphasizes the need for strategic resource allocation and exploration of cost optimization opportunities, given that cloud expenditure growth may not directly impact financial reporting quality. However, the study recommends for prioritizing cloud security investments to safeguard financial data integrity, mitigate cybersecurity risks, and enhance trust in financial reporting practices, thereby bolstering investor confidence.

An assessment of the carbon emissions of China's ICT system from the demand and supply perspectives

Previous research has predominantly examined China's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry's carbon emissions through the lens of technological progress, overlooking impacts from both demand and supply perspectives. We employ a subsystem input-output model to analyze the total emissions of China's ICT industry from 2002 to 2020, decomposing them into direct, intra-sectoral, feedback, and spillover components from both perspectives. Our findings reveal that between 2002 and 2020, demand-driven emissions increased by 205.1 %, while supply-driven emissions surged by 496.4 %. From both demand and supply perspectives, the spillover component emerged as the dominant contributor from 2002 to 2020, particularly in 2020, accounting for more than 99 % of the total emissions. From a demand-driven perspective, we identify ICT manufacturing as the primary emissions source, contributing to over 66 % of the total emissions during the period and triggering significant spillover emissions in the power and heavy manufacturing sectors. Conversely, the supply-driven approach highlights ICT services as the major emitter, accounting for over 70 % of the total emissions between 2002 and 2020, with notable spillover effects observed in the transport sector. We highlight the significance of shaping consumption behaviors related to ICT manufacturing products and improving emissions efficiency in electricity and heavy manufacturing, both crucial intermediate inputs in ICT production, from a demand perspective. From a supply perspective, promoting the adoption of clean technologies among downstream users of ICT services could aid China's emissions mitigation efforts in the digital era.

Component analysis for energy-efficient multimedia networks utilizing 5G radio access technologies

The object of the research is the energy-efficient multimedia networks based on 5G wireless access technologies. The research is aimed at developing energy-efficient multimedia networks based on 5G wireless access technologies, considering the increasing importance of information and communication technologies (ICT) in modern society. With the proliferation of wireless access networks and the advancement of fifth-generation mobile networks (5G), there is a need to assess and reduce the environmental impact of ICT. The article specifically focuses on the challenges related to energy consumption and CO2 emissions in radio access networks, highlighting the responsibility to balance technological advancements with environmental concerns. The paper examines various components and technologies necessary for enhancing energy efficiency in multimedia networks. It discusses the concept of multimedia, including digital storage, data processing, and interactive elements. Statistical data is provided to underscore the significant energy consumption and carbon footprint of the ICT industry, with an emphasis on radio access networks. Heterogeneous networks, non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) technologies, and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technologies are identified as key components for achieving energy efficiency. The importance of reducing the distance between transmitters and receivers in heterogeneous networks is emphasized, as well as the use of energy-saving strategies such as putting small base stations into sleep mode during low network loads. Special attention is given to the role of green data centers in reducing CO2 emissions and optimizing the use of green energy in high-performance networks. Proposed methods include leveraging renewable energy sources, improving hardware energy efficiency, and implementing energy-efficient routing. The findings offer valuable insights for the development and implementation of energy-efficient multimedia networks, particularly in the context of 5G networks. The interdisciplinary approach advocated in the conclusion emphasizes the collective efforts needed to address environmental challenges in the field of information and communication technologies. The combination of these technologies ensures efficient resource utilization and reduced environmental impact compared to similar known approaches.

Emerging ICT clusters in the Western Balkans: A convergence model based on financial statement analysis

The Western Balkans is experiencing an ongoing inflow of foreign direct investments (FDI) in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry as several European enterprises have already established their presence in the region. These inflows have generated large-scale ICT investments in the region, creating new knowledge-based clusters and technology spillovers in regional economies. On the basis of financial statement indicators collected for 327 European and regional ICT enterprises and on panel data estimation, this paper tries to estimate technology transfer in the Western Balkan region. Specifically, the proposed model examines cluster spillover effects in improving the absorptive capacity of the Western Balkan region in creating a pool of specialized local suppliers and a talented regional labor force. Model estimation results indicate that limited spillover effects have occurred from the newly created clusters of European ICT enterprises in the regional economy of the Western Balkan region. Spillovers related to improved technical capabilities, increased labor productivity, higher resource efficiency, and flexible operational structures require further stimulation to speed up convergence and integration of the local ICT industry in the corresponding European value chain. Finally, this paper concludes that competitive advantages such as a cheap labor force are no longer feasible for sustainable development. To narrow down the existing know-how gap, particular efforts are required regarding policies focused on educating human capital and transforming regional enterprises to successfully compete in the European market.

Research on the evolution and determinants of knowledge transfer network in patent-intensive industries

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the structural characteristics, spatial evolution paths and internal driving mechanisms of the knowledge transfer (KT) network in China’s patent-intensive industries (PIIs). The authors' goal is to provide valuable insights to inform policy-making that fosters the development of relevant industries. The authors also aim to offer a fresh perspective for future spatiotemporal studies on industrial KT and innovation networks.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, the authors analyze the patent transfer (PT) data of listed companies in China’s information and communication technology (ICT) industry, spanning from 2010 to 2021. The authors use social network analysis and the quadratic assignment procedure (QAP) method to explore the problem of China’s PIIs KT from the perspectives of technical characteristics evolution, network and spatial evolution and internal driving mechanisms.FindingsThe results indicate that the knowledge fields involved in the PT of China’s ICT industry primarily focus on digital information transmission technology. From 2010 to 2021, the scale of the ICT industry’s KT network expanded rapidly. However, the polarization of industrial knowledge distribution is becoming more serious. QAP regression analysis shows that economic proximity and geographical proximity do not affect KT activities. The similarity of knowledge application capacity, innovation capacity and technology demand categories in various regions has a certain degree of impact on KT in the ICT industry.Originality/valueThe current research on PIIs mainly focuses on measuring economic contributions and innovation efficiency, but less on KT in PIIs. This study explores KT in PIIs from the perspectives of technological characteristics, network and spatial evolution. The authors propose a theoretical framework to understand the internal driving mechanisms of industrial KT networks.

Inter-industry and intra-industry switching as sources of productivity growth: structural change of Finland’s ICT industries

Structural change is an important driver of productivity growth at the aggregate level. While previous productivity decompositions account for the contributions of market entry and exit, they overlook continuing firms that switch from one industry to another. We develop an improved productivity decomposition that accounts for both intra-industry and inter-industry switching, is applicable to both static and inter-temporal settings, and ensures consistent aggregation of firm-level productivity to the industry level. The proposed decomposition is applied to Finland’s information and communication technology (ICT) industry in the first two decades of the 21st century. This industry experienced major structural changes due to the rapid downfall of Nokia, the world’s largest mobile phone manufacturer at the beginning of our study period. Our results reveal that the sharp decline of labor productivity was associated with structural changes, whereas the surviving firms that continued in the same industry managed to improve their productivity. Our results indicate that industry switching can dampen or enhance the productivity impacts of structural change, especially during times of crisis and recession.

How does Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry agglomeration affect carbon emission efficiency? Evidence from China.

The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry takes on critical significance in promoting economic development and reducing carbon emissions. From the agglomeration perspective, how the ICT industry agglomeration affects carbon emission efficiency (CEE) in 30 provinces in China from 2006 to 2020 is innovatively investigated. We measured CEE using a dynamic directional distance function-based DEA model. Then, based on the research hypotheses, the specific impact and transmission mechanism of ICT industrial agglomeration on CEE are revealed using a spatial Dubin model and a threshold panel model. The results show that: (1) the ICT industry agglomeration exerts a remarkable inverted "U-shaped" effect on CEE. This non-linear effect is significant in the eastern and central regions, but not in the western region. (2) ICT industry agglomeration can affect CEE in neighboring regions. The spatial spillover effect shows an inverted "U-shaped" in the central region, positive in the western region, and insignificant in the eastern region. (3) when green technology innovation exceeds the threshold value (4.948), ICT industry agglomeration positively affects CEE, and when energy structure exceeds the threshold value (0.389), their marginal effects are significantly negative. The threshold effect also shows regional heterogeneity. This research proposes policy recommendations focusing on accelerating the ICT industry transformation, leveraging the spillover and technological advantages of agglomeration, and enhancing regional cooperation.

The Internationalization Process of Tunisian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Africa

In this paper, the author analyzes the role of several determinants in the internationalization process of Tunisian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Africa and their consequent performance. A quantitative study was carried out on 46 companies operating in information and communication technologies (ICTs). SPSS and Smart PLS were used to analyze the obtained data. The results demonstrate the importance of the total mediating role of international entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) in the relationship between competitiveness and international performance. However, networking generates a direct effect on international performance. Tunisian SMEs in the ICT industry are called upon to review their African-market methods of management and inspection to guarantee optimal use of resources and avoid the loss of business opportunities. Besides, according to this research, the weight of Tunisian SMEs’ competitive advantage allows them to adopt entrepreneurial behavior characterized by innovation, proactivity and risk-taking in Africa. This pushes them to adopt a permanent design and adaptation of valuable methods of value creation, innovation, and localization of opportunities. This entrepreneurial behavior also compels companies to better structure their management, develop skills of intuition and anticipation in the market, take risks as well as initiatives and consequently achieve greater performance and sustainability.

Exploring the Challenges Facing the ICT Industry Innovation Processes in Tanzania

One strategic area in research and development is to promote innovation for economic development and technology transfer. In a knowledge-based economy, innovation is omnipresent, and its significance is never disputed. Tanzania is aware that information and communication technology (ICT) is the major enabler of socio-economic growth; hence, it needs more ICT innovations, which has shown a slow growth due to many challenges. ICT innovation has significantly impacted private sectors compared to public sectors. The main challenge is mainly in public sectors and individuals. The study explores ICT innovation challenges towards effective participation in innovation actors. The methodology includes a systematic literature review and the primary data collected from the case study area on Tanzania's public and private sectors. The study revealed that though funding and capital to Innovation factors are the major challenges, more challenges have been explored. The study comes up with best practices to persuade ICT innovation participation from the grassroots to the university.

Differences in carbon emissions between the digital economy sectors in China and the USA.

In an era of rapid development of digital technologies and dramatic global climate change, digital economy is crucial to achieving the 'carbon peak' and 'carbon neutral' goals. However, less research has been done in the area of indirect carbon emissions in the digital economy sector. Therefore, this study uses an input-output model to calculate the embodied carbon emissions of the ICT (information and communication technology) industry in China and the USA in 2005, 2010 and 2016 from the production and consumption sides. Moreover, a comparative analysis is conducted in terms of the driving factors of carbon emissions and the relationship between emissions and economic benefits in the two countries. The results reveal that emissions are larger on the production side in the USA and on the consumption side in China. For both countries, electricity is the largest upstream sector in terms of emissions. ICT in the USA causes sectoral emissions mainly in manufacturing and services. While China mainly causes sectoral emissions in manufacturing. The US ICT sector is more economically efficient for the same emissions. Regarding drivers, the primary driver of the fall in emissions is a reduction in emission intensity. The increase in emissions driven by final demand is greater in China than in the USA. Finally, the results of the two countries are extended to other developed countries and emerging economies, providing recommendations for reducing carbon emissions in the ICT sector.

Comparative Cross-Market Research of ICT Industry Impact on World Goods Markets: a Quantitative Research

The rapid advancement of information and communications technology (ICT) has had a transformative impact on global markets. This article presents a comparative cross-market research study aimed at understanding the influence of the ICT industry on global goods markets, encompassing both advanced and developing economies.

What limits the innovation efficiency in China's ICT industry? A two-stage dynamic network slacks-based measure approach

ABSTRACT Based on the innovation value chain theory, the innovation process of the information and communication technology (ICT) firms is not only decomposed into R&D and commercialisation activities, but also its dynamic characteristics should be included in the evaluation system. To seek the underlying reasons for the inefficiency, a two-stage dynamic network DEA model within the SBM structure has been applied to assess the innovation efficiency along with the R&D capability and commercialisation performance. The results show that the innovation efficiency of the Chinese ICT industry shows a continuous decline due to the constraints of firms’ R&D capabilities. Similarly, the heterogeneity exists within the ICT industry; The four sub-industries has its own strengths, but they also exhibit high market efficiency and low R&D efficiency. Private companies show a higher level of R&D and commercialisation than SOEs in both stages.

Supporting ICT employment opportunities for women in Egypt

Supporting ICT employment opportunities for women in Egypt Ragui Assaad and Irene Selwaness examine the increase of women in ICT jobs in Egypt, as well as gender disparities and the efforts to promote ICT employment growth. With the increasing withdrawal of the public sector as a major employer in Egypt, the Egyptian labour market has become increasingly inhospitable for women. Female employment rates declined steadily from 19.5% in 2009 to 13.7% in 2021. Women’s employment has been falling in absolute terms at a rate of 1.1% per year from 2009 to 2021, while the female working-age population has been increasing at 2.5% annually. Information and communication technology (ICT) jobs are a major bright spot in this bleak landscape. According to a recent report on Egypt’s ICT jobs, ICT employment for women has been growing much faster than in other segments of the economy and much faster than for men (Selwaness, Assaad and El Sayed, 2023). The report defines ICT jobs as all jobs in ICT industries and jobs in ICT occupations in non-ICT sectors.

Does digitalization enhance fossil fuels resources efficiency?

This paper's primary purpose is to measure globalization's impacts on fossil fuel resource-efficient targets in 39 emerging countries from 2010 to 2020. The pooled Mean Group estimation's results confirmed that the digitalization indicators such as the digital economy index, e-government, and ICT (Information and communication technology) diffusion index increase the efficiency of fossil fuels resources in the short and long term. In addition, with a 1% increase in the share of ICT industries in the studied countries' economies, fossil fuel resources' efficiency will decrease by 0.07% and 0.13% in the short and long term, respectively. Regarding electricity consumption, the coefficients of the variable in the short-term and long-term are negative. In order to use digitalization benefits for fossil fuels efficient target, emerging economies can develop a digital green financing market, promote natural resource governance through e-government, and scale up renewable power generation.

SELECTION OF THE BEST SEM MODEL TO IDENTIFY FACTORS AFFECTING MARKETING PERFORMANCE IN THE ICT INDUSTRY

The digital revolution in society and the advances in marketing practices create tremendous challenges for companies and even more so for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) service providers. They are faced with increasingly complex and rapidly changing market competition, knowing these problems can use SEM to form a research model and find out the relationship between latent variables and their indicators. The purpose of this study is to identify the best structural equation model that can describe Marketing Performance in the ICT Industry in Indonesia. The data used in this study is primary data obtained from the results of distributing offline and online questionnaires to 300 management levels working in the ICT Industry. The methods compared in this study are Covariance Based Structural Equation Modeling and Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling. The results showed that the best model to determine the factors that influence Marketing Performance in the ICT Industry in Indonesia is PLS-SEM with the goodness-of-fit model R2 for the latent variable Marketing Performance is 0.436. This shows that the accuracy of the variables CEM, DBI and DOE together in predicting MP variables is relatively weak. Based on the PLS-SEM model, it is found that Digital Operational Excellence is a mediator that can increase the influence of Customer Experience Management on Marketing Performance. Meanwhile, Digital Business Innovation has no significant effect in increasing the influence of Customer Experience Management on Marketing Performance. The novelty of this research is the development of the best SEM models (CB-SEM and PLS-SEM) in the field of Information and Communication Technology in Indonesia.