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A theory of digital technology advancement to address the grand challenges of sustainable development

Author

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  • Popkova, Elena G.
  • De Bernardi, Paola
  • Tyurina, Yuliya G.
  • Sergi, Bruno S.

Abstract

Scholarly research has not yet discussed the totality of the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) as part of a broader picture of sustainable development. This paper provides a unique analysis of the linkages between institutions, SDGs and digital technologies to establish their exact interdependencies. Factor analysis of the grand challenges of sustainable development has shown only SDG3 and SDG17 might progress through institutions’ development in developed countries, while only SDG16 in developing countries. In developed countries, the institutions of human development, globalisation and innovations influence SDG3, and SDG17, which depend on digitised knowledge and the application of digital technologies. Human development and economic freedom, which rely on digital infrastructure and technologies, impacted SDG16 in developing countries. The digital knowledge index and the digital technologies index in developed countries enhance management efficiency, having a maximum impact on SDG3 and SDG17. The findings of this paper contribute to social and economic policy implications on digital technology development for addressing grand challenges.

Suggested Citation

  • Popkova, Elena G. & De Bernardi, Paola & Tyurina, Yuliya G. & Sergi, Bruno S., 2022. "A theory of digital technology advancement to address the grand challenges of sustainable development," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:68:y:2022:i:c:s0160791x21003067
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2021.101831
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Developed countries; Developing countries; Digital technologies; Economic development policy; Grand challenges; Sustainable growth;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F63 - International Economics - - Economic Impacts of Globalization - - - Economic Development
    • Q01 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General - - - Sustainable Development
    • Q32 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Nonrenewable Resources and Conservation - - - Exhaustible Resources and Economic Development
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy

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