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Trajectories in Knowledge Economy: Empirics from SSA and MENA countries

Author

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  • Simplice A. Asongu

    (Yaoundé/Cameroon)

  • Antonio R. Andrés

    (Barranquilla, Colombia)

Abstract

In the first critical assessment of knowledge economy dynamic paths in Africa and the Middle East, but for a few exceptions, we find overwhelming support for diminishing cross-country disparities in knowledge-base-economy dimensions. The paper employs all the four components of the World Bank’s Knowledge Economy Index (KEI): economic incentives, innovation, education, and information infrastructure. The main finding suggests that sub-Saharan African (SSA) and the Middle East and North African (MENA) countries with low levels in KE dynamics and catching-up their counterparts of higher KE levels. We provide the speeds of integration and time necessary to achieve full (100%) integration. Policy implications are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Simplice A. Asongu & Antonio R. Andrés, 2015. "Trajectories in Knowledge Economy: Empirics from SSA and MENA countries," Research Africa Network Working Papers 15/060, Research Africa Network (RAN).
  • Handle: RePEc:abh:wpaper:15/060
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Knowledge economy; Principal component analysis; Panel data; Convergence;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F42 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - International Policy Coordination and Transmission
    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy
    • O57 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Comparative Studies of Countries
    • P00 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - General - - - General

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