Assessing the Impact of ICT on Economic Growth in Tunisia: A Cointegration Approach

This study aims to investigate how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) will affect economic growth in Tunisia country for the period 1990 – 2023 using cointegration approaches and error correction model (ECM). The study is based on the neoclassical growth model and the use of a famous Cobb-Douglas production function as in the main studies in this field. To this end, capital is distinguished between ICT and non-ICT capital to determine their impact on economic growth. The most recent developments in this domain include particularly the works of Aralica, Z., & Škrinjarić, B. (2021). and Hwang, W.-S., & Shim, D. (2021).which hold the position that ICT is an essential enabler of productivity and innovation, especially in the developing economies. This research work results shows that there is a long-run relationship between the economic growth and the development of ICT, specifically in the telecommunications sector. These findings are important in validating the role of ICT as an important engine of economic growth. They agree with the global patterns and imply that directed investment into ICT combined with suitable regulatory environment can boost economic growth in the long run. The current study enriches the existing body of knowledge on ICT and economic growth and is, therefore, useful to policymakers in Tunisia and other similar economies.