nep-ict New Economics Papers
on Information and Communication Technologies
Issue of 2024‒01‒29
eight papers chosen by
Marek Giebel, Universität Dortmund


  1. Asserting and transcending ethnic homophily: how entrepreneurs develop social ties to access resources and opportunities in socially contested environments By Busch, Christian; Mudida, Robert
  2. Do College Anti-Plagiarism/Cheating Policies Have Teeth in the Age of AI? Evidence from the United States By Rajeev K. Goel; Michael A. Nelson
  3. Laggards v Leaders: Productivity and Innovation Catchup By Peter Claeys; Juan Jung; Gonzalo Gómez-Bengoechea
  4. Approaches to the elimination of legal barriers in the field of regulation of data flows, technologies and online platforms for the development of the digital economy in Russia By Levashenko, Antonina (Левашенко, Антонина); Koval, Aleksandra (Коваль, Александра)
  5. Reflection on the implementation of Decision on Implementation of Article 66.2 of the TRIPS Agreement: Incentive for technology transfer to least-developed countries By van Weelde, Jessyca; Wu, Xiaoping; Chiang, Ting-Wei (Alex); Khazin, Bassam Peter
  6. The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence: A Theoretical Review of its Impact on Teaching and Learning in the Digital Age By Jackson, Emerson Abraham
  7. The role of state policy in fostering health information exchange in the United States. By Bronsoler, Ari; Doyle, Joseph; Schmit, Cason; Van Reenen, John
  8. Predictive Analytics Supporting Labor Market Success: A Career Explorer for Job Seekers and Workforce Professionals in Michigan By Christopher J. O'Leary; Salomon Orellana; Kevin Doyle; Randall W. Eberts; Ben Damerow; Amy Myers; Kenneth Kline; Anna Wilcoxson; Beth C. Truesdale; Scott Powell

  1. By: Busch, Christian; Mudida, Robert
    Abstract: Research Summary In socially contested settings, it is often difficult to connect with (diverse) others, and it is unclear how entrepreneurs in these contexts may develop the social ties that previous research has shown to be valuable. We studied this subject matter in Kenya, an ethnically fractionalized society that recently experienced the decentralization of government, which required entrepreneurs to deal with both in-group and out-group ethnicities. We conducted an inductive case study of four Nairobi-based companies and captured the creative tactics that they used to transcend ethnic homophily (by defocusing from ethnicity and reframing the in-group) while also asserting ethnic homophily (by signaling tribal affiliation and leveraging others' ethnicity). We contribute to a deeper understanding of how and why entrepreneurs in socially contested settings develop social ties. Managerial Summary Entrepreneurs in socially contested settings rely on social networks to access resources and opportunities. However, it is unclear how entrepreneurs in these settings develop and use these networks. We studied this question in an ethnically fractionalized setting that recently experienced the decentralization of government: Kenya. Entrepreneurs who previously provided information technology (IT) services to the central government had to deal with both own-tribe and other-tribe contacts to receive new contracts. We studied four Nairobi-based IT firms that operated across a variety of counties and analyzed the creative tactics that entrepreneurs in this context use to cross ethnic divides while also working with own-tribe contacts. This contributes to our collective understanding of how and why entrepreneurs in socially contested settings develop diverse social ties to access resources and opportunities.
    Keywords: case study; emerging economies; networks; resource acquisition; Sub-Saharan Africa
    JEL: J1 L81
    Date: 2023–12–08
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:121150&r=ict
  2. By: Rajeev K. Goel; Michael A. Nelson
    Abstract: The advent of the internet, and more recently of artificial intelligence (AI), has challenged academic and other institutions to ensure ethical practices and reward/promote true merit. The borderless and relatively anonymous nature of the internet creates policing challenges, leading to the abuse of established rules and standards. In the context of academia, this impacts the size and scope of resources to facilitate/check plagiarism and cheating, both from the demand and supply sides. Adding some formal insights into the current topic of fundamental importance to maintaining academic integrity, this paper examines the association of anti-plagiarism/anti-cheating policies with resources that facilitate such behavior (legal or otherwise). Using unique internet search indices of the policies and resources, we find that the two are positively associated – the associated resources ratchet up with the policies. This association is robust to different modeling formulations, including when the internet policies include course syllabi. The findings reinforce the view that policies to check plagiarism and cheating are likely to lack teeth and may be a step behind the resources that facilitate unethical behaviour.
    Keywords: AI, artificial intelligence, plagiarism, cheating, internet, universities, colleges, United States
    JEL: A20 I23 L86
    Date: 2023
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ces:ceswps:_10853&r=ict
  3. By: Peter Claeys (Universidad Pontificia Comillas); Juan Jung; Gonzalo Gómez-Bengoechea
    Abstract: The decision to innovate or to adopt existing technologies is driven by productivity levels. Large productive incumbents may have an advantage over new entrants and laggards and lead innovation, yet depending on the type of technology, the latter may catch up by pursuing more advanced technologies. Different technologies can therefore widen or shrink the distribution of productivity across firms (Benhabib et al., 2021). Using a novel dataset of around 60, 000 Spanish firms from different industries between 2017-2019, we show that investment in a particular technological innovation – online sales – is indeed pursued by the sector’s most productive and largest firms, yet laggard firms do try to catch up by investing more in new technologies, despite starting at lower productivity levels. This suggests that costly innovation and easy adoption may actually curb overall productivity growth as more firms’ free ride on innovation efforts by the leaders in each sector.
    Keywords: Innovation, adoption, diffusion, Probit, productivity, ICT
    JEL: L O
    Date: 2024
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:inf:wpaper:2024.01&r=ict
  4. By: Levashenko, Antonina (Левашенко, Антонина) (The Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration); Koval, Aleksandra (Коваль, Александра) (The Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration)
    Abstract: The subject of the research work is legal relations in the fields of regulation of datacirculation; of the use of disruptive digital technologies (for example, blockchain, the internet of things, artificial intelligence, etc.), of the development of the platform economy, of the development of digital interaction between economic entities. The relevance of the study is prompted by the implementation of the federal project “Legal regulation of the digital environment”, which provides for the development and adoption of several legal acts aimed at removing the primary barriers against development of the digital economy in such areas as civil circulation, financial technologies, intellectual property, telecommunications, legal proceedings and notaries, standardization, etc. At the same time the project does not set the ambitious goals to remove the existing barriers in the field of the data regulation, which drive the digitalization of the economy, and which are related to, for example, the requirement for total data localization and to the binary approach to the definition of personal data, to create legal conditions for the large-scale implementation of breakthrough digital technologies, with regard to new regulatory requirements (for example, the functioning of artificial intelligence systems) and Russia's leadership in the development of the platform economy. Without solving these problems, it is impossible to ensure the digital transformation of the Russian economy. The novelty of the study is in that it suggests solutions to the tasks of creating a digital economy regulation system in Russia that consider the latest recommendations in this area and current challenges. The objective of the research work is to form proposals for eliminating legal barriers in the regulation of data circulation; the use of breakthrough digital technologies (for example, blockchain, the Internet of things, artificial intelligence, etc.), the development of platform economy, the development of digital interaction between economic entities. The research methodology includes methods of logical, systemic, and comparative analysis using Russian and foreign legal acts, and analytical materials of competent authors and international organizations. To achieve the objective, the following tasks are to be solved: − analysis of the impact of legal barriers in the regulation of data circulation, the use of digital technologies, and the operation of digital platforms on creating conditions for digital transformation of the economy. − analysis of the OECD standards for data circulation regulation, use of breakthrough digital technologies (for example, blockchain, internet of things, artificial intelligence, etc.), development of the platform economy, and development of digital interaction between economic entities. − analysis of the approaches of the OECD member states to the task of removing legal barriers to the digital transformation of the economy. − proposals for the elimination of legal barriers in the regulation of data circulation, the use of digital technologies, and the operation of digital platforms that impede the digital transformation of the Russian economy, also in the context of the application of restrictive economic measures against Russia, as well as retaliatory measures that may create risks for the development of the digital economy. The research resulted in the development of proposals for the elimination of legal barriers in the circulation regulation, the use of digital technologies, and the operation of digital platforms that impede the digital transformation of the Russian economy. The contribution of the study is prompted by the need to improve Russian legislation on the digital economy.
    Keywords: digital economy, legal barriers, regulation of data circulation, data transfer, breakthrough technologies, blockchain, artificial intelligence, internet of things, digitalization
    JEL: K31
    Date: 2022–11–11
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rnp:wpaper:w20220303&r=ict
  5. By: van Weelde, Jessyca; Wu, Xiaoping; Chiang, Ting-Wei (Alex); Khazin, Bassam Peter
    Abstract: Technology transfer is deeply embedded in the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement). Several provisions address technology transfer, which constitute an essential part of the efforts made by the TRIPS negotiators to strike a balance between the advancement of technological innovation and the promotion of transfer and dissemination of technology. Article 66.2 specifically obligates developed country Members to provide incentives to enterprises and institutions in their territories to promote and encourage technology transfer to least-developed country (LDC) Members in order to enable them to create a sound and viable technological base. This paper summarizes the WTO TRIPS Council's work on the implementation of Article 66.2 from 2018 to 2020, including the implementation of a reporting mechanism for developed country Members' programmes established by the TRIPS Council and the TRIPS Council's review of the ensuing reports, and annual Workshops convened to enhance practical dialogue on technology transfer under this provision. In particular, it provides an analytical review of 708 programmes broken down into seven categories of technology, namely agriculture and food; environment and climate change; information and communication technology (ICT); public health and pharmaceuticals; intellectual property; business, trade and finance; and education and social sciences. The paper also reports on a survey of LDC Members which identified as priority areas for technology transfer as agriculture and food; environment and climate change; ICT; and public health and pharmaceuticals. The paper concludes by drawing on lessons learned from the past 25 years' experiences and reflecting on prospects for future work.
    Keywords: technology transfer, LDCs, Article 66.2, TRIPS, incentives, agriculture, environment, public health, ICT, SDGs, knowledge transfer
    JEL: F13 O3 O31 O34 O38
    Date: 2023
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:wtowps:280935&r=ict
  6. By: Jackson, Emerson Abraham
    Abstract: This theoretical review explores the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on teaching and learning in the digital age. Investigating AI's integration into educational settings, the paper synthesises theoretical frameworks, empirical studies, and emerging trends. Drawing on constructivist, socio-cultural, and cognitive learning theories, the review analyses AI's implications for educational practices. It traces the historical development of AI in education, highlighting key milestones and the evolution of AI technologies. The paper adopts a theoretical framework to comprehensively analyse AI's impact, focusing on intelligent tutoring systems, adaptive learning platforms, virtual reality, natural language processing, and gamification. Theoretical foundations underscore AI's role in active learning, personalised environments, social interaction, and cognitive load management. The review addresses challenges, including equity, ethical considerations, and the evolving role of educators. It emphasises the need for clear ethical guidelines, professional development for educators, and ongoing research to navigate the evolving landscape of AI in education. Theoretical implications suggest a nuanced synthesis of technology and pedagogy, acknowledging the dynamic interplay between the two, and call for continued research to address technical challenges, ethical considerations, and effective strategies for professional development in this dynamic intersection of technology and education.
    Abstract: Cette revue théorique explore l'évolution de l'intelligence artificielle (IA) et son impact sur l'enseignement et l'apprentissage à l'ère numérique. En examinant l'intégration de l'IA dans les environnements éducatifs, l'article synthétise des cadres théoriques, des études empiriques et des tendances émergentes. S'appuyant sur les théories constructivistes, socio-culturelles et d'apprentissage cognitif, la revue analyse les implications de l'IA pour les pratiques éducatives. Elle retrace le développement historique de l'IA dans l'éducation, mettant en évidence des jalons clés et l'évolution des technologies d'IA. L'article adopte un cadre théorique pour analyser de manière exhaustive l'impact de l'IA, en se concentrant sur les systèmes de tutorat intelligents, les plateformes d'apprentissage adaptatif, la réalité virtuelle, le traitement du langage naturel et la ludification. Les fondements théoriques soulignent le rôle de l'IA dans l'apprentissage actif, les environnements personnalisés, l'interaction sociale et la gestion de la charge cognitive. La revue aborde des défis tels que l'équité, les considérations éthiques et le rôle en évolution des éducateurs. Elle souligne la nécessité de lignes directrices éthiques claires, de développement professionnel pour les éducateurs et de recherches continues pour naviguer dans le paysage en évolution de l'IA dans l'éducation. Les implications théoriques suggèrent une synthèse nuancée de la technologie et de la pédagogie, reconnaissant l'interaction dynamique entre les deux, et appellent à des recherches continues pour relever les défis techniques, les considérations éthiques et les stratégies efficaces de développement professionnel dans cette intersection dynamique de la technologie et de l'éducation.
    Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Theoretical Review, Teaching and Learning, Digital Age
    JEL: A22 I21 O33
    Date: 2024
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:esprep:280893&r=ict
  7. By: Bronsoler, Ari; Doyle, Joseph; Schmit, Cason; Van Reenen, John
    Abstract: It is widely agreed that health information sharing holds enormous potential to improve health care productivity. Although the adoption of electronic health records in the United States over the past 15 years has been impressive, the use of data - and subsequent improvements in health care productivity - has been disappointing. This article considers the role that state policy plays in the adoption and use of health information exchange (HIE) across providers. The authors built a novel database of state laws from 2000 through 2019 that tracks 12 dimensions of policies that may facilitate HIE usage. The dimensions fall along four categories: clarifying HIE governance, strengthening financial stability, specifying the uses and users of an HIE, and protecting the underlying data. The authors find that regulations related to privacy protections and HIE financial viability have substantial effects on information sharing. The category that has the strongest relationship with health information sharing is related to data protection. In states that add a dimension making the protection of data less costly, HIE usage increases by 18%. Within the category of data-protection measures, one stands out: enacting legislation that has patients participate by default leads to a 16% increase in usage. Adding a dimension for each of the other three categories leads to a 4% increase in HIE usage, although only the relationship with financial sustainability is measured precisely enough to be statistically significant. In particular, states that set up the ability to charge participant fees and authorize the HIE to request state, federal, and private funding achieve greater HIE. These results point to policy levers that can catalyze the use of digital tools to improve health and lower health care costs.
    Keywords: health technology
    JEL: J50 J1
    Date: 2022–12–21
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:119702&r=ict
  8. By: Christopher J. O'Leary (W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research); Salomon Orellana (Michigan Center for Data and Analytics); Kevin Doyle (Michigan Center for Data and Analytics); Randall W. Eberts (W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research); Ben Damerow (W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research); Amy Myers (W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research); Kenneth Kline (W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research); Anna Wilcoxson (Michigan Center for Data and Analytics); Beth C. Truesdale (W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research); Scott Powell (Michigan Center for Data and Analytics)
    Abstract: Career Explorer provides customized career exploration tools for workforce development staff and job seekers in Michigan. There are separate Career Explorer modules for mediated staff services and self-service by job seekers. The system was developed by the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics in collaboration with the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research and Michigan Works! Southwest. It was funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workforce Investment and the Schmidt Futures foundation’s Data for the American Dream (D4AD) project. In this paper, we describe specifications of the models behind the frontline-staff-mediated version of Career Explorer, which are based on program administrative data, applying data-science methods for predictive analytics. We also describe the self-service Career Explorer, which provides customized labor market information based on published Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Career Explorer became an active feature of Michigan’s online reemployment-services system in June 2021.
    Keywords: dislocated workers, disadvantaged adults, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), labor market information, career exploration, reemployment services, occupational choice, occupational mix of employment, industrial mix of employment, workforce areas
    JEL: J65 J68 H76
    Date: 2023–11
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:upj:weupjo:23-391&r=ict

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