 Tech-fueled human development: “role of ICT in enhancing human development - a panel analysis”Neetu Kumari Journal of Economic Studies, 2025, vol. 53, issue 3, 628-646 Abstract: PurposeThis research aims to challenge the traditional economic growth-centered approach to development by investigating the role of information and communication technology (ICT) in enhancing human development in Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) nations. The study specifically examines how various ICT components influence the human development index (HDI), moving beyond conventional economic metrics. It seeks to establish a clear relationship between technological advancement and human development parameters, providing evidence for policy recalibration in emerging economies.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a comprehensive quantitative analysis using panel data from BRICS nations spanning 2000–2021. The methodology incorporates the Driscoll–Kraay standard error approach and panel corrected standard error technique to ensure robust results. Variables examined include ICT indicators (Internet users, mobile subscriptions (MS), broadband subscriptions and telephone subscribers), economic factors (gross domestic product, foreign direct investment and trade openness) and financial indicators (inflation and domestic credit access). This methodological framework enables a thorough examination of ICT’s impact on human development while controlling for various economic and financial factors.FindingsThe research reveals a significant positive correlation between ICT adoption and human development in BRICS countries. Internet usage, MS and broadband access demonstrate substantial positive impacts on the HDI, while telephone subscriptions show minimal influence. The analysis confirms that ICT advancement contributes to improvements in education, health and gross national product components of the HDI. These findings establish a clear link between technological infrastructure and human development outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focuses exclusively on BRICS nations, potentially limiting its generalizability to other emerging economies. The analysis period (2000–2021) may not fully capture recent technological disruptions and their impacts. Data availability and quality variations across countries might affect result precision. Future research could expand the geographical scope, incorporate more recent data and include additional technological indicators. The study’s implications suggest the need for more comprehensive research on specific ICT implementation strategies.Practical implicationsThe findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and development practitioners in emerging economies. They suggest prioritizing investments in broadband infrastructure and mobile connectivity over traditional telephone networks. The research offers a framework for evaluating ICT investments' impact on human development, enabling more effective resource allocation. It emphasizes the need for integrated development strategies that combine technological advancement with traditional economic growth measures.Social implicationsThe study highlights ICT’s role in advancing social development through improved access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities. It demonstrates how technological infrastructure can reduce social inequalities and enhance quality of life in developing nations. The findings suggest that ICT investment can accelerate social progress by providing communities with better access to information, services and opportunities. This understanding can guide social development initiatives and policy formation.Originality/valueThis research presents a novel approach by explicitly linking ICT components to human development metrics in BRICS nations. It moves beyond traditional economic growth measures to examine technology’s comprehensive impact on human development. The study’s unique contribution lies in its detailed analysis of specific ICT components' varying influences on HDI. This granular understanding offers valuable insights for development strategies in emerging economies. Keywords: ICTs; Human development index (HDI); Driscoll-Kraay method; PCSE method; BRICS (search for similar items in EconPapers) Downloads: (external link) Related works: Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:jespps:jes-11-2024-0742 Access Statistics for this article Journal of Economic Studies is currently edited by Prof Mohsen Bahmani-Oskooee More articles in Journal of Economic Studies from Emerald Group Publishing Limited |
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