Can Technology Save Integrity? Rethinking Corruption and Transparency in Emerging Markets

This panel investigates the complex and evolving relationship between bribery, corruption, and information systems (IS) in emerging economies. As digital infrastructures expand, they introduce both opportunities to enhance transparency and new avenues for deceit and regulatory evasion. Drawing from diverse IS perspectives, the panel will examine how corruption, particularly in the form of bribery and digital deceit, interacts with technology adoption, economic development, and firm-level innovation. Emphasizing the dual role of IS as both an enabler and deterrent of corrupt practices, panelists will explore the strategic responses of firms operating in fragile regulatory environments. The session will highlight how digital tools can be leveraged within legal and institutional frameworks to combat corruption and foster accountability, offering insights into how emerging economies might harness IS for sustainable and equitable growth.