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Trajectories of Knowledge Economy in SSA and MENA countries

Author

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  • Simplice A. Asongu

    (Yaoundé/Cameroon)

  • Antonio R. Andrés

    (Ostrava, Czech Republic)

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-based 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 of 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 also discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Simplice A. Asongu & Antonio R. Andrés, 2019. "Trajectories of Knowledge Economy in SSA and MENA countries," Research Africa Network Working Papers 19/013, Research Africa Network (RAN).
    • Handle: RePEc:abh:wpaper:19/013
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    Cited by:

    1. Olatunji A. Shobande & Simplice A. Asongu, 2021. "Has Knowledge Improved Economic Growth? Evidence from Nigeria and South Africa," Working Papers 21/059, European Xtramile Centre of African Studies (EXCAS).
    2. Asongu, Simplice A. & Odhiambo, Nicholas M., 2020. "Foreign direct investment, information technology and economic growth dynamics in Sub-Saharan Africa," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 44(1).
    3. Shumaila Zeb, 2022. "The role of knowledge economy in Asian business," Future Business Journal, Springer, vol. 8(1), pages 1-13, December.
    4. Usman, Ahmed & Ozturk, Ilhan & Ullah, Sana & Hassan, Ali, 2021. "Does ICT have symmetric or asymmetric effects on CO2 emissions? Evidence from selected Asian economies," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 67(C).
    5. Awad, Atif & Albaity, Mohamed, 2022. "ICT and economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: Transmission channels and effects," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 46(8).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Knowledge economy; Principal component analysis; Panel data; Convergence; Development;
    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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