Evaluating the Potential of Information and Communication Technologies to Increase Aquaculture Sustainability

Focusing on environmental and ecological concerns, the European Union (EU27) ranks as the world's fifth‐largest aquaculture producer. Acknowledging the necessity of enhancing productivity and competitiveness, the EU recognizes the importance of investing in the sustainability and growth of the aquaculture industry. Thus, the primary objective of this study is to investigate the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) elements on the development of the aquaculture sector within the European Union (EU13) and the European Union (EU14) from 1990 to 2023. To address potential endogeneity issues, this research employs Cross‐Sectional Autoregressive Distributed Lag (CS‐ARDL) and Augmented Mean Group (AMG) estimators. The findings reveal significant insights. It is evident that, in comparison to emerging EU13 countries, developed EU14 countries place greater importance on ICT, human capital, and governance in facilitating the growth of the aquaculture industry. On the other hand, compared to EU14 developed countries, carbon dioxide emissions seem to be a major contributor to the deterioration of the aquaculture sector in EU13 developing countries. It is advised that policymakers in the EU13 countries give priority to projects that support ICT development, improve human capital, and put in place efficient governance procedures in light of these results. The EU14 countries' officials are encouraged to concentrate on promoting economic development in the aquatic industry and easing the anticipated expansion of aquaculture in the interim.