Does ICT Participate in Economic Convergence among Asian Countries: Evidence from Dynamic Panel Data Model

Abstract

Conventional Convergence models usually oversee the role of information and communications technology (ICT) as a determinant of convergence. This paper introduces ICT as a fac- Keywords: Convergence Models, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), System Generalized Method of Moments (SYS-GMM), Human Development Index (HDI), Electricity Consumption IntroductionImportance of information has been pivotal since beginning of human civilization. Since time immemorial the information has been serving as a competitive edge for its possessors [12]. During 20 th century, the advent of digital devices has hotfooted the flow of information and ability to process it. This technology is termed as Information and communication technology (ICT). During the last half of 20 th century, 'information revolution' was made possible through the 'digital' Information and Communication Technology 'ICT' [12]. The ICT revolution is crucial insofar as it involves technologies geared to the production and dissemination of knowledge and information. These new technologies, that first emerged in the 1950s and then really took off with the advent of the Internet, have breathtaking potential. It is worth noting that the differences between communication technology and information technology have become fuzzy. e.g. mobile phones are principally tools for communication. But with the invention of wireless technology, users can access information via cellular phone. Inter-

Configural theory for ICT development

“…or GDP per capita in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms (Balaban, 2012;Mehmood & Azim, 2013) to represent a country's economic level and explore the relationships with ICT development. Studies also use high numbers of telephone lines per 100 inhabitants to represent industrialization (Hudson, 1995;Hudson, 2000).…”

How to Improve the Cognitive Health of Middle-Aged and Elderly People: Evidence From China Family Panel Studies

“…The internet has quietly and successfully penetrated all aspects of life. Numerous studies have consistently shown its significant impact on the real economy, industrial manufacturing, financial development, technological innovation, transportation, and other fields (7,8), as well as its contribution to significant changes in residents' health, economic decision-making, payment methods, leisure and entertainment, and social interactions (9,10). Although scholars have conducted research on the relationship between the internet and the health of residents, gaps remain.…”

Convergence and Intercountry Inequality within Asia: A Combined Approach Using Decomposition Techniques and Transitional Dynamics Analysis

“…They claimed that social protection spending would increase income inequality, and government expenditure on housing would also have an adverse impact on the distribution of income. Mehmood and Azim () demonstrated that information and communication technology played an important role in economic convergence among Asian countries. Li and Yu () studied whether financial reform could reduce income inequality in Asia.…”