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ICT trade index, financial support, and regional economic development level

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  • Fan, Hua
  • Han, Ju

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship among the ICT Trade Index, financial support, and regional economic development. Utilizing provincial panel data from China spanning 2015 to 2023, the study empirically investigates the connection between the ICT Trade Index and the level of economic development, introducing financial support as a moderating variable for in-depth analysis. The research arrives at the following conclusions: First, the ICT Trade Index is positively correlated with regional economic development; second, financial support can significantly promote regional economic development; third, financial support plays a moderating role in the impact of the ICT Trade Index on regional economic development; and fourth, the moderating effect of financial support in the relationship between the ICT Trade Index and regional economic development exhibits heterogeneity across regions with different levels of openness.

Suggested Citation

  • Fan, Hua & Han, Ju, 2026. "ICT trade index, financial support, and regional economic development level," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:88:y:2026:i:c:s1544612325023116
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2025.109062
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