ICT regulation and sustainable development goals: The mediating role of ICT access and use in a global context

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have emerged as crucial enablers for addressing global challenges and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While ICTs’ potential to drive sustainable development is widely acknowledged, the mechanisms through which ICT regulations translate into tangible SDG outcomes - particularly at the individual level - remain poorly understood. This study addresses this critical gap by investigating how ICT access and use mediate the relationship between ICT regulations and SDG achievement at the individual level across 131 countries. Grounded in the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework and capability approach, our analysis of Network Readiness Index data employs Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to validate this mediation model. The results demonstrate that ICT regulations significantly enhance both ICT access and usage, which in turn positively influence SDG attainment. By focusing on individual-level dynamics, this research provides novel insights into how regulatory frameworks, when combined with improved access and usage, can collectively advance progress toward multiple SDGs.