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on Information and Communication Technologies |
| By: | Komatsu, Sho; Nguyen-Phung, Hang Thu |
| Abstract: | As entrepreneurial dynamism is widely recognized as a driver of innovation and economic growth, it is important to understand the determinants of entrepreneurship. However, there is little literature examining the role of ICT and its potential mechanisms of individual entrepreneurship in rural China. This study investigates the effect of ICT utilization on entrepreneurship and its potential mechanisms by using China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) data from 2014 to 2020. We identify Internet use via computers, Internet use via mobile devices, and Internet use by computer or mobile devices as proxy variables for ICT utilization. Our empirical results indicate that ICT utilization has a significant and positive effect on entrepreneurship in rural China. The results remain robust after a series of robustness tests. This study also finds that the effect is heterogeneous by gender, generation, educational background, and regions. Furthermore, mechanism analysis shows that the Internet can promote entrepreneurship by facilitating access to information and the formation of social capital. The above finding in rural China will have important implications for economic development and poverty reduction in other developing countries. |
| Keywords: | information communication technology, Internet use, entrepreneurship, rural China |
| JEL: | L26 O18 O33 R11 |
| Date: | 2025–03 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:agi:wpaper:02000184 |
| By: | Zouhair Lakhyar (University Hassan II Mohammedia); Meryem Moulim (University Hassan II Mohammedia) |
| Abstract: | The main aim of this research is to study the impact of the determinants of the new economy or knowledge economy on economic growth in Morocco, for a period from 1990 to 2023 (a sample of 34 years). To do this, our analysis is based on the study of four key elements that define the knowledge economy domain according to the World Bank and the OECD. The four factors used are the education system, which is a key element of the knowledge-based economy, measured by expenditure on education, and is an essential element in the development of human capital; innovation, measured by the number of patent applications filed, which is a key indicator of the creativity and efficiency of innovation systems; and the use of information technologies, measured by the number of patent applications filed, which is an essential element in the development of human capital, the use of information and communication technologies (ICT), quantified by the number of Internet users, which are also essential for ensuring easy access to information, and finally, institutional quality, measured by the quality of regulation, which is a fairly important measure for ensuring a favorable environment for research and development. Through an econometric study, the results obtained indicate that although progress has been made in certain sectors such as education and digitalization, Morocco is still a long way from full integration into a knowledge-based economy. The Moroccan government must therefore redouble its efforts to improve its skills in each of these four sectors. And this greater involvement in the knowledge economy could help to accelerate Morocco's economic growth and optimize its place on the international stage. |
| Abstract: | Cette recherche vise principalement à étudier l'impact des déterminants de la nouvelle économie ou de l'économie de la connaissance sur la croissance économique au Maroc, pour une période de 1990 à 2023 (un échantillon de 34 ans). Pour ce faire, notre analyse se base sur l'étude de quatre éléments clés qui définissent le domaine de l'économie de la connaissance selon la Banque Mondiale et l'OCDE. Les quatre facteurs utilisés sont le système éducatif qui est un élément clé de l'économie basée sur la connaissance, mesurée par les dépenses en éducation, et qui constitue un élément essentiel dans le développement du capital humain, l'innovation, mesurée par le nombre de demandes de brevets déposés, qui est un indicateur principal de la créativité et de l'efficacité des systèmes d'innovation, l'utilisation des technologies de l'information et de la communication (TIC), quantifié par le nombre d'utilisateurs d'internet, ces TIC sont aussi essentielles pour assurer un accès facile à l'information, et finalement, la qualité institutionnelle, mesurée par la qualité de la réglementation, qui est une mesure assez importante pour assurer un environnement favorable à la recherche et au développement. À travers une étude économétrique, les résultats obtenus indiquent que même si des avancées ont été faites dans certains secteurs comme l'éducation et la digitalisation, le Maroc est encore loin d'une intégration complète dans une économie orientée vers la connaissance. L'État marocain doit donc redoubler ses efforts pour améliorer ses compétences dans chacun de ces quatre secteurs. Et cette plus grande implication dans l'économie de la connaissance pourrait favoriser l'accélération de la croissance économique du Maroc et optimiser sa place sur le plan international. |
| Keywords: | Knowledge Economy, Economic Growth, Morocco, Economie de la connaissance, Croissance Economique, Maroc |
| Date: | 2025–03–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05011937 |
| By: | Luca Fontanelli (GREDEG - Groupe de Recherche en Droit, Economie et Gestion - UNS - Université Nice Sophia Antipolis (1965 - 2019) - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - UniCA - Université Côte d'Azur, SSSUP - Scuola Universitaria Superiore Sant'Anna = Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies [Pisa]); Flavio Calvino (OCDE - Organisation de Coopération et de Développement Economiques = Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development); Chiara Criscuolo; Lionel Nesta (GREDEG - Groupe de Recherche en Droit, Economie et Gestion - UNS - Université Nice Sophia Antipolis (1965 - 2019) - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - UniCA - Université Côte d'Azur); Elena Verdolini (CMCC - Centro Euro-Mediterraneo per i Cambiamenti Climatici [Bologna]) |
| Abstract: | We leverage a uniquely comprehensive combination of data sources to explore the enabling role of human capital in fostering the adoption of predictive AI systems in French firms. Using a causal estimation approach, we show that ICT engineers play a key role for AI adoption by firms. Our estimates indicate that raising the current average share of ICT engineers in firms not using AI (1.66%) to the level of AI users (6.7%) would increase their probability to adopt AI by 0.81 percentage pointsequivalent to an 8.43 percent growth. However, this would imply substantial investments to fill the existing gap in ICT human capital, amounting to around 450.000 additional ICT engineers. We also explore potential mechanisms, showing that the relevance of ICT engineers for predictive AI is driven by the innovative nature of its use, make-vs-buy choices, large availability of data, ICT and R&D intensity. |
| Keywords: | artificial intelligence, human capital, technological diffusion |
| Date: | 2024–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05029748 |
| By: | Komatsu, Sho |
| Abstract: | Digital economy is a new driving force for China's economic development and the strategy of rural revitalization is the overall focus of the "three rural issues" in the new era. As the rapid penetration of digital technology into rural areas has a potential to integrate digital economy with rural revitalization, in-depth empirical research is needed to find out how digital economy drives China's rural revitalization. However, relevant studies mostly focus on the impact of digital economy on one dimension of rural revitalization and lack a systematic exploration of the overall impact of digital economy on rural revitalization. To fill the gap with previous studies, this study constructs county- level comprehensive index system by the entropy weighting method and examines the driving effect and mechanisms of digital economy on rural revitalization based on several digital economy indicators and rural revitalization score by using county-level panel data in Zhejiang during 2010-2021. This study shows that digital economy measured by rural e-commerce, digital finance indexes, and the number of households using broadband Internet has a driving effect on rural revitalization. Moreover, this study finds that technological innovation and industrial structure transformation are important mechanisms of digital economy driving rural revitalization. Therefore, it is recommended that the local government accelerate digital industrialization and industrial digitalization process. |
| Keywords: | Digital economy, Rural revitalization, China, Panel data |
| JEL: | C23 O18 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:agi:wpaper:02000091 |
| By: | Komatsu, Sho |
| Abstract: | China's fertility rate has been on a downward trend since the adoption of the one-child policy in 1979. Internet use is among the promising technological changes that may solve low fertility issue by income effect and improving work-life balance which promotes fertility intention. However, Internet use may also reduce fertility intention by cultivating modern value of fertility and substitution effect. Therefore, whether Internet use improve or hinder fertility intentions must be empirically tested. As no studies have examined impact of Internet use on fertility intention addressing unobserved heterogeneity, this study uses panel data and instrumental variables method to fill the gap in the literature.Using two-wave panel data from the 2014 and 2018 China Family Panel Studies, this study investigates the impact of Internet use on fertility intention. This study finds that Internet use improves fertility intention. Moreover, while the frequency of Internet use does not improve fertility intention, attitude toward the Internet does. Furthermore, there are significant differences by age, marital status, gender, hukou, and educational background. Finally, Internet use affects fertility intention through higher household income. |
| Keywords: | Internet use, Fertility intention, China, Panel data |
| JEL: | C23 J13 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:agi:wpaper:02000094 |
| By: | Joann Jasiak; Peter MacKenzie; Purevdorj Tuvaandorj |
| Abstract: | This paper examines how Canadian firms balance the benefits of technology adoption against the rising risk of cyber security breaches. We merge data from the 2021 Canadian Survey of Digital Technology and Internet Use and the 2021 Canadian Survey of Cyber Security and Cybercrime to investigate the trade-off firms face when adopting digital technologies to enhance productivity and efficiency, balanced against the potential increase in cyber security risk. The analysis explores the extent of digital technology adoption, differences across industries, the subsequent impacts on efficiency, and associated cyber security vulnerabilities. We build aggregate variables, such as the Business Digital Usage Score and a cyber security incidence variable to quantify each firm's digital engagement and cyber security risk. A survey-weight-adjusted Lasso estimator is employed, and a debiasing method for high-dimensional logit models is introduced to identify the drivers of technological efficiency and cyber risk. The analysis reveals a digital divide linked to firm size, industry, and workforce composition. While rapid expansion of tools such as cloud services or artificial intelligence can raise efficiency, it simultaneously heightens exposure to cyber threats, particularly among larger enterprises. |
| Date: | 2025–04 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2504.12413 |
| By: | De Marco, Stefano; Dumont, Guillaume; Helsper, Ellen Johanna |
| Abstract: | Does digital stratification foster inequalities in access to work and employment? We address this question by examining inequalities related to online job search skills and the outcomes of the online search process. Results from a representative survey of 1103 Spanish jobseekers show that online job search skills positively affect the chances of getting an interview through employment platforms but that they are unevenly distributed. Online job search skills are more important than other digital resources, including basic digital skills, in determining positive outcomes of online job searches though there are still inequalities in getting an interview independent of either. This calls for considering domain-specific digital skills both in research and in practice alongside tackling traditional inequalities. |
| Keywords: | digital inequality; online job search skills; employment platforms; digital skills |
| JEL: | R14 J01 |
| Date: | 2025–01–08 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:126847 |
| By: | Nguyen-Phung, Hang Thu; Le, Hai |
| Abstract: | This study examines the effects of urbanization on household health expenditure. Using a unique bi-annually household-level dataset from 2012 - 2018 from Vietnam, we obtain key findings as follows. First, urbanization significantly reduces Vietnamese households' inpatient and outpatient health expenses. Second, the self-treatment expenses of households increase as the process of urbanization advances. Our results survive several robustness checks. Furthermore, we propose different ways to explain these results, including health insurance expenses and household income. |
| Keywords: | urbanization, health expenditure, health insurance, instrumental variable, ICT, VHLSS |
| JEL: | D10 I10 I15 I31 O10 O18 |
| Date: | 2023–06 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:agi:wpaper:02000073 |
| By: | Piyush Akimitsu |
| Abstract: | This study explores Telehealth Parity Laws (TPLs) and their heterogeneous treatment effects by policy type on outpatient utilization and Medicare costs, considering broadband and licensure infrastructure. State-specific legislative framings create varied Price (physician reimbursement) and Cost (consumer expense) control combinations within a quasi-experimental design. Partial equilibrium causal estimates reveal negligible impacts on Medicare enrollment, indicating that Medicare cost shifts stem purely from outpatient utilization changes. Broadband access correlates with increased preventable hospital stays but lower Medicare costs and enrollment. Additionally, the Interstate Licensure Compact increases enrollment among the aged and disabled, possibly addressing previously unmet demand for healthcare services. |
| Date: | 2025–04 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2504.14784 |
| By: | Jasna Tonovska (Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Faculty of Economics – Skopje); Elena Makrevska Disoska (Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Faculty of Economics – Skopje); Katerina Toshevska-Trpcevska (Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Faculty of Economics – Skopje); Viktor Stojkoski (Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Faculty of Economics – Skopje) |
| Abstract: | Purpose. Digitally delivered services have become a pivotal component of global trade, accounting for over 50% of total services exports worldwide as of 2020 (Mourougane, 2021). But how is this digital trade related to the structure of an economy? Despite the growing significance of digital trade, the relationship between trade intensity in digitally delivered services and the structure of an economy remains underexplored (Mourougane, 2021; Dong and Xu, 2022; Zhou et al., 2023; Chiappini and Gaglio, 2024). In this paper, we fill this research gap by examining how exports per capita of digitally delivered services relate to multidimensional economic complexity, encompassing measures for the trade and research structure of an economy (Stojkoski et al., 2023). Understanding this relationship is crucial for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to enhance competitiveness in the digital economy (Hidalgo and Hausmann, 2009; Hausmann et al., 2014; Hartmann et al., 2017; Hidalgo, 2021; Romero and Gramkow, 2021). Design/methodology/approach. We employ a panel regression analysis with time-fixed effects to control unobserved heterogeneity and temporal dynamics across countries and over time. We follow the Handbook on Measuring Digital Trade (Mourougane, 2021) and define digitally delivered services as all international trade transactions that are delivered remotely over computer networks. These range from providing online educational services to cloud computing subscriptions (Stojkoski et al., 2024). Using this definition, we collect data from the BATIS WTO dataset on services (Fortanier et al., 2017) and Eurostat mappings (European Commission). Statistical Office of the European Union, 2021) to calculate per capita exports of digitally delivered services for over 120 countries from 2005 to 2020. We also use data on the Economic Complexity Index (ECI) for the research and trade dimensions from the Observatory of Economic Complexity (Simoes and Hidalgo, 2011). These indexes compare the economic structure of a country to an ensemble of other countries, with higher values implying that the country is more sophisticated compared to the ensemble. We then employ panel regression analysis on average data segmented into four four-year periods: 2005-2008, 2009-2012, 2013-2016, and 2017-2022 in which the dependent variable is the log of the digitally delivered services exports per capita. This methodological approach allows us to investigate the correlation between exports per capita and the economic complexity indices derived from trade and research data, and to study their interaction in explaining digital trade. Findings. The analysis reveals a robust positive relationship between economic complexity and digitally delivered services exports per capita (see Table 1 for the regression results). Specifically, according to our final model (including all covariates, Table 1, column 7), a one-unit increase in trade ECI is associated with a 0.733 increase in the log of digitally delivered services exports per capita (p |
| Keywords: | Digital trade, Economic complexity, ICT, Panel data analysis |
| JEL: | F10 F13 F14 C23 F63 |
| Date: | 2024–12–15 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:aoh:conpro:2024:i:5:p:88-90 |