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<p>Corruption poses a significant challenge for developing countries, including those in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). This study investigates whether Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can mitigate corruption in this region. It analyzes how ICT adoption, measured by internet usage and mobile phone subscriptions, influences corruption perception (CPI) and corruption control (COC) in SAARC countries from 2001 to 2021. While CPI reflects perceived corruption among citizens and institutions, COC assesses governance effectiveness in controlling corruption. Corruption was measured using the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) and the Control of Corruption (COC) index, where lower scores indicate higher corruption. The study employed rigorous methods, using the fixed effects approach as the baseline data analysis technique, and applying the Lewbel instrumental variable (IV) approach, Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS), and Driscoll-Kraay standard error methods to ensure reliability. Key findings revealed that higher perceived corruption (CPI) correlates with weaker anti-corruption efforts (lower COC scores). Increased ICT use, particularly internet access, helps to reduce perceived corruption, suggesting that technology can combat corruption effectively. The impact of ICT is more evident on CPI, whereas its effect on strengthening corruption control (COC) remains less conclusive. Although mobile phone subscriptions might improve corruption control over time, overall findings are inconclusive. The study highlights the importance of strong legal frameworks and a robust rule of law in deterring corruption. It also notes that increased trade openness might increase corruption risks. Policymakers can use these findings to craft effective anti-corruption strategies, integrating ICT with other measures like strengthening the rule of law and controlling inflation to enhance their efficacy.</p>

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Analyzing the anti-corruption potential of ICT in SAARC countries

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年6月6日

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  • Subroto Dey,
  • Sanjoy Kumar Saha

摘要

Corruption poses a significant challenge for developing countries, including those in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). This study investigates whether Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can mitigate corruption in this region. It analyzes how ICT adoption, measured by internet usage and mobile phone subscriptions, influences corruption perception (CPI) and corruption control (COC) in SAARC countries from 2001 to 2021. While CPI reflects perceived corruption among citizens and institutions, COC assesses governance effectiveness in controlling corruption. Corruption was measured using the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) and the Control of Corruption (COC) index, where lower scores indicate higher corruption. The study employed rigorous methods, using the fixed effects approach as the baseline data analysis technique, and applying the Lewbel instrumental variable (IV) approach, Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS), and Driscoll-Kraay standard error methods to ensure reliability. Key findings revealed that higher perceived corruption (CPI) correlates with weaker anti-corruption efforts (lower COC scores). Increased ICT use, particularly internet access, helps to reduce perceived corruption, suggesting that technology can combat corruption effectively. The impact of ICT is more evident on CPI, whereas its effect on strengthening corruption control (COC) remains less conclusive. Although mobile phone subscriptions might improve corruption control over time, overall findings are inconclusive. The study highlights the importance of strong legal frameworks and a robust rule of law in deterring corruption. It also notes that increased trade openness might increase corruption risks. Policymakers can use these findings to craft effective anti-corruption strategies, integrating ICT with other measures like strengthening the rule of law and controlling inflation to enhance their efficacy.