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ICT Leapfrogging Amidst Labour Force-Economic Growth Nexus in EAP and ECA Regions

Author

Listed:
  • Bosede Ngozi Adeleye

    (University of Lincoln Lincolnshire, UK; Lincoln International Business School, Lincoln, UK)

  • Bede Uzoma Achugamonu

    (Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria)

  • Tayo George

    (Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria)

  • Mercy Ejovwokeoghene Ogbari

    (Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria)

  • Oluyomi Ola-David

    (Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria)

Abstract

Towards achieving the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, this study revisits the information and communication technology (ICT) leapfrogging hypothesis of Steinmueller (2001), and Fong (2009) to expand the literature by testing its relevance in the labour force-growth dynamics in Asia. To achieve this, the study addresses four objectives: (i) test the ICT leapfrogging hypothesis; (ii) investigate the growth-enhancing impact of labour; (iii) examine whether ICT enhances or distorts the productivity of labour on economic growth; and (iv) if these effects differ by economic development. The study uses an unbalanced panel data on 81 countries located in East Asia and Pacific (EAP) and Europe and Central Asia (ECA) from 2010 to 2019. Two estimation techniques, namely panel spatial correlation consistent fixed effects (PSCC-FE) and random effects instrumental variables two-stage least squares (RE-IV2SLS), are deployed. To appraise if the impact differs by economic development, the study engages income group analysis. Among other findings: the leapfrogging hypothesis holds; labour is a significant predictor of economic growth; mobile phones usage is a more potent ICT indicator with more leapfrogging potentials relative to fixed telephones subscription; the net effect of labour on growth is mostly positive in the mobile phones’ models.

Suggested Citation

  • Bosede Ngozi Adeleye & Bede Uzoma Achugamonu & Tayo George & Mercy Ejovwokeoghene Ogbari & Oluyomi Ola-David, 2023. "ICT Leapfrogging Amidst Labour Force-Economic Growth Nexus in EAP and ECA Regions," Scientific Annals of Economics and Business (continues Analele Stiintifice), Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, vol. 70(1), pages 17-40, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:aic:saebjn:v:70:y:2023:i:1:p:17-40:n:3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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