Did the integrity transition promote economic growth? Empirical research based on the perspective of anti-corruption approaches

This study examines the impact of integrity transformation on economic growth, focusing on countries and regions transitioning from corruption to integrity. Two distinct trends are observed: synchronized increases in integrity and economic growth, and rising integrity alongside declining economic growth. The research explores the mechanisms through which anti-corruption approaches, as practical implementations of national integrity systems, influence economic growth. Using panel data from countries undergoing integrity transitions, the study employs business environment and economic freedom as chain mediators in its empirical analysis. Key findings indicate that citizen participation anti-corruption, fair-competition-oriented government-business relationships, rule of law against anti-corruption with universal punishment, institutional anti-corruption with compatible incentives and constraints, and integrity value shaping through consensus-building are crucial pathways to integrity transformation. These approaches promote economic growth by optimizing the business environment and enhancing economic freedom. The study’s conclusions provide valuable insights for strengthening national integrity transformation and fostering economic growth.