nep-ict New Economics Papers
on Information and Communication Technologies
Issue of 2026–04–20
four papers chosen by
Marek Giebel, Universität Dortmund


  1. AI unbound: digital infrastructure, AI adoption, and firm performance By Nuriye Melisa Bilgin; Gianmarco Ottaviano
  2. FACTORS AFFECTING E-INVOICE FRAUD: EVIDENCE FROM VIETNAM By Le, Xuan Truong; Nguyen, Hoang Tuan; Nguyen-Phung, Hang Thu; Le, Anh Tuan
  3. Why Is Manufacturing Productivity Growth So Low? By Enghin Atalay; Ali Hortacsu; Nicole Kimmel; Chad Syverson
  4. Inter-firm Network Dynamics of Production during the COVID-19 Pandemic By Yukiko SAITO; Xinyi TONG; Kongphop WONGKAEW

  1. By: Nuriye Melisa Bilgin; Gianmarco Ottaviano
    Abstract: We study how digital infrastructure relaxes constraints on the diffusion and economic impact of artificial intelligence (AI). Using administrative data and a nationally representative enterprise survey from Turkey (2021-2024), we document significant disparities in AI adoption. Adoption is concentrated among large firms and in regions with high-speed broadband and proximity to data centers, particularly for software-intensive and cloud-based applications. To identify causal effects, we exploit the staggered expansion of Turkey's national natural gas pipeline network, which serves as a conduit for fiber-optic deployment. Because pipeline routing is determined by energy distribution priorities rather than digital demand, it provides plausibly exogenous variation in connectivity. Difference-in-differences estimates show that improved connectivity significantly increases AI adoption, particularly for software-intensive technologies and among small and medium-sized enterprises. Instrumental-variable estimates indicate that infrastructure-driven AI adoption raises labor productivity and export intensity while shifting labor composition toward ICT-related roles. These findings highlight digital infrastructure as a primary determinant of both the pace of AI diffusion and its resulting economic returns.
    Keywords: artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, broadband, technology diffusion, firm productivity, cloud computing
    Date: 2026–04–15
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cep:cepdps:dp2172
  2. By: Le, Xuan Truong; Nguyen, Hoang Tuan; Nguyen-Phung, Hang Thu; Le, Anh Tuan
    Abstract: This paper reflects the results of a survey of businesses in Vietnam to understand the factors affecting e-invoice fraud. Using survey data from Vietnamese enterprises and hypothesis testing grounded in fraud theories, this study examines key determinants of einvoice fraud. In parallel, it reviews the current legal and institutional framework governing einvoice management in Vietnam. Based on the empirical findings, the paper proposes policy recommendations in three areas: (i) strengthening the legal framework, (ii) enhancing information technology applications, and (iii) improving tax audit effectiveness.
    Keywords: E-invoice, Fraud, Prevention, Legal Framework
    Date: 2026–03
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:agi:wpaper:02000270
  3. By: Enghin Atalay; Ali Hortacsu; Nicole Kimmel; Chad Syverson
    Abstract: We examine the recent slow growth in manufacturing productivity. We show that nearly all measured TFP growth since 1987 — and its post-2000s decline — comes from a few computer-related industries. We argue conventional measures understate manufacturing productivity growth by failing to fully capture quality improvements. We compare consumer to producer and import price indices. In rapidly changing industries, consumer price indices indicate less inflation, suggesting mismeasurement in standard industry deflators. Using an input-output framework, we estimate that TFP growth is understated by 1.4 percentage points in durable manufacturing and 0.3 percentage points in nondurable manufacturing and is slightly overstated in nonmanufacturing industries.
    Keywords: manufacturing; productivity measurement; ICT
    JEL: C67 D24 E01 E31
    Date: 2026–04–07
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fip:fedpwp:103003
  4. By: Yukiko SAITO; Xinyi TONG; Kongphop WONGKAEW
    Abstract: This paper examines the dynamics of the Japanese production network during the COVID-19 pandemic. We utilize a panel dataset of approximately 1.8 million firms spanning from 2015 to 2023 and document that firms largely maintained existing inter-firm relationships during the early stages of the pandemic, often before severing ties in subsequent periods. Moreover, new link formation did not recover at a commensurate pace, resulting a net contraction of the production network. Furthermore, we identify a shift in the geographical distance between transacted firms. Firms increasingly dropped local partners but added distant partners. Notably, changes in network dynamics and geographical distance were driven by firms with high ICT intensity and those located in core prefectures.
    Date: 2026–04
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eti:dpaper:26027

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