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Examining the linkages between ICTs, economic development and the sustainable development goals: evidence based on the ICT4D value chain

Muftawu Dzang Alhassan (Department of Accounting, Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Wa, Ghana)
Louis Nuoterah (Department of Accounting, Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Wa, Ghana)
Ibrahim Osman Adam (Department of Business Analytics and MIS, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana)
Adiata Borresa Seini (Department of Accounting, Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Wa, Ghana)
Awal Bukari (Department of Accounting, Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Wa, Ghana)
Stephen Naatu (Department of Accounting, Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Wa, Ghana)
Mudasir Issah (Department of Accounting, Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Wa, Ghana)

International Journal of Innovation Science

ISSN: 1757-2223

Article publication date: 23 October 2023

78

Abstract

Purpose

Globally, information and communication technology (ICT) is regarded as a reliable tool that facilitates economic development and propels sustainable development. However, little empirical work exists on the specific effects of ICT access and usage on economic and sustainable development. This paper aims to investigate the nexus between ICTs, economic and sustainable development at the global level.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents ICT for Development (ICT4D) value chain empirical evidence on the linkages between ICTs, economic development and sustainable development goals (SDGs). The research model based on the capability approach is validated by using archival data from 130 global countries and partial least squares–structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings reveal that ICT access and usage significantly influence a country’s attainment of the SDGs. Whilst ICT access plays a crucial role in promoting economic development, ICT usage does not. Also, findings show that economic development significantly mediated the nexus between ICT access and SDGs but not between ICT usage and SDGs. This calls for countries to ensure that access to ICTs is accompanied by a low cost of usage to achieve the full benefits of economic and sustainable development.

Originality/value

Using the ICT4D value chain, this paper empirically shows how ICT readiness and availability in the form of ICT access and ICT uptake (individual ICT use) promote economic development and SDGs (impact). Furthermore, with many studies conducted on SDGs at the country level, this study provides a broader understanding of the roles of ICT access and use on SDGs at the global level. This allows for easy generalisability and reproducibility of results.

Keywords

Citation

Alhassan, M.D., Nuoterah, L., Adam, I.O., Seini, A.B., Bukari, A., Naatu, S. and Issah, M. (2023), "Examining the linkages between ICTs, economic development and the sustainable development goals: evidence based on the ICT4D value chain", International Journal of Innovation Science, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJIS-05-2022-0086

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited

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