ICT Development Index and Its Role in the FDI - Growth Nexus: Evidence from G-20 Economies

The collective GDP of the G20 nations constitutes over 80% of the global GDP, making them pivotal recipients of significant economic investments in various forms including foreign direct investments. This study delves into the dynamic interplay of ICT development and foreign direct investment (FDI) and GDP nexus among the G20 economies. A comprehensive index is constructed using PCA to gauge ICT development across economies. The study further examines the relationships among FDI, ICT development, and GDP using panel data spanning from 2000 to 2019. The study finds that in the absence of interaction, FDI alone does not exhibit a statistically significant impact on GDP. However, considering the interaction between FDI and ICT, a nuanced pattern emerges. The study discerns that the influence of FDI on GDP is contingent upon the maturity of a country's ICT sector. This suggests the need for policymakers to adopt a more focused approach, tailoring strategies to leverage the interdependence of FDI and ICT for optimal economic growth.