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Technology growth in the digital age: Evidence from China

Author

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  • Jin, Canyang
  • Xu, Aiting
  • Zhu, Yuhan
  • Li, Jinchang

Abstract

Based on a broad definition of the digital economy, this study constructs a digital technology capital measurement framework and measures China's digital technology capital services from 2002 to 2018 to illustrate the growth of digital technology. In addition, the relationship between digital technology and economic growth is examined using the growth accounting method and econometric panel models from the perspective of the substitution and penetration effects of information and communication technologies. The measurement results show that China's digital technology capital services grew faster than non-digital ones from 2002 to 2018. In terms of the substitution effect, the contribution of traditional capital to economic growth is diminishing, whereas digital technology capital's contribution is expanding. Regarding the penetration effect, the contribution of digital technology capital to labor productivity is gradually overtaking that of traditional capital, with the impact varying by sector. These results may provide developing countries with a strategy to seek new development drivers and sustain economic growth in the post-pandemic era.

Suggested Citation

  • Jin, Canyang & Xu, Aiting & Zhu, Yuhan & Li, Jinchang, 2023. "Technology growth in the digital age: Evidence from China," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 187(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:187:y:2023:i:c:s0040162522007429
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2022.122221
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    2. Cheng, Yiran & Zhou, Xiaorui & Li, Yongjian, 2023. "The effect of digital transformation on real economy enterprises’ total factor productivity," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 85(C), pages 488-501.

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