International comparative evidence of e-government success and economic growth: technology adoption as an anti-corruption tool

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to explore the impact of information communication technology (ICT) use and government efficiency on the economic growth. It assesses empirically the impact of government success in ICT promotion and government efficiency to enhance economic growth and catalyzing corruption control through technology adoption. Design/methodology/approach This paper examines the relationship between ICT and economic growth in a large sample of 149 countries for the period 2012–2016. The empirical evidence is based on the generalized method of moments. Findings There is a significant relationship between e-government development, ICT development and institutional quality, and not ICT development and corruption. The empirical results show that a negative value of the interaction suggests that the impact of corruption on economic growth is smaller for countries with a higher level of technology adoption. Practical implications The differences in e-government success across countries in the world are influenced by the digital divide due to income and corruption control level. Originality/value The efficiency of technology adoption and promotion will ensure stronger effects of corruption control on economic growth. Relevant practical implications derive from the research that can guide public policy in the area of e-government.