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The Effects of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Use on Human Development—A Macroeconomic Approach

Author

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  • Nada Karaman Aksentijević

    (Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia)

  • Zoran Ježić

    (Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia)

  • Petra Adelajda Zaninović

    (Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia)

Abstract

Information and communication technology (ICT) is considered a significant factor in economic growth and development. Over the past two decades, scholars have studied the impact of ICT on economic growth, but there has been little research that has addressed the impact of ICT on human development, which is considered one of the fundamental factors of economic development. This could be especially important from the perspective of developing countries, which can develop faster through the implementation of ICT. Thus, the aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of ICT use on human development, distinguishing effects among high, upper-middle, lower-middle and low-income countries following the World Bank classification 2020. Our sample includes 130 countries in the period from 2007 to 2019. The empirical analysis is based on dynamic panel data regression analysis. We use Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) as an estimator, i.e., two-step system GMM. The results primarily support the dynamic behaviour of human development. The results of the analysis also show that ICT has highly significant positive effects on human development in lower-middle-income and low-income countries, while the effects do not appear to be significant in high- and middle-income countries. This research serves as an argument for the need to invest in ICT and its implementation in low-income countries; however, it also suggests that the story is not one-sided and that there are possible negative effects of ICT use on human development. From the perspective of economic policy, the results can be a guideline for the implementation and use of ICT in developing countries, which could lead to economic growth and development and thus better quality of life. On the other hand, policymakers in developed countries cannot rely on ICT alone; they should also consider other technological innovations that could ensure a better quality of life.

Suggested Citation

  • Nada Karaman Aksentijević & Zoran Ježić & Petra Adelajda Zaninović, 2021. "The Effects of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Use on Human Development—A Macroeconomic Approach," Economies, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-12, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jecomi:v:9:y:2021:i:3:p:128-:d:628114
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    3. Jayanti Behera & Dukhabandhu Sahoo, 2022. "Asymmetric relationships between information and communication technology (ICT), globalization, and human development in India: evidence from non-linear ARDL analysis," Journal of Economic Structures, Springer;Pan-Pacific Association of Input-Output Studies (PAPAIOS), vol. 11(1), pages 1-25, December.
    4. Yilmaz Bayar & Rita Remeikienė & Gamze Sart, 2024. "ICT Penetration and Human Development: Empirical Evidence from the EU Transition Economies," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 15(1), pages 2422-2438, March.
    5. Batara Surya & Hernita Hernita & Agus Salim & Seri Suriani & Iwan Perwira & Yulia Yulia & Muhlis Ruslan & Kafrawi Yunus, 2022. "Travel-Business Stagnation and SME Business Turbulence in the Tourism Sector in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-37, February.
    6. Liao, Qi & Zeng, Heng, 2023. "How do financial development and ICT moderate financial resource curse hypothesis in developing countries?," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(PA).
    7. Ze, Fu & Yu, Wence & Ali, Anis & Hishan, Sanil S. & Muda, Iskandar & Khudoykulov, Khurshid, 2023. "Influence of natural resources, ICT, and financial globalization on economic growth: Evidence from G10 countries," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
    8. Mimica R. Milošević & Miloš M. Nikolić & Dušan M. Milošević & Violeta Dimić, 2022. "Managing Resources Based on Influential Indicators for Sustainable Economic Development: A Case Study in Serbia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-20, April.
    9. Abdalwali Lutfi, 2022. "Factors Influencing the Continuance Intention to Use Accounting Information System in Jordanian SMEs from the Perspectives of UTAUT: Top Management Support and Self-Efficacy as Predictor Factors," Economies, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-17, March.

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