Impact of Information and Communication Technologies on Energy Consumption and Economic Growth: An Empirical Assessment for China

Abstract

Regarding the association between information and communication technology (ICT) and economic growth and energy consumption, particularly in developing economies, there is a great deal of controversy and a lack of empirical study. This study applies Quantile Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model (QARDL) approach to empirically probe into the effect of ICT on energy consumption and economic growth in China. Two corresponding models for energy consumption and economic growth are formulated and the data of all of the variables spanning over 1995-2021 period is taken from different secondary sources. The findings of the study reveal significant and positive impact of ICT on economic growth at all quantiles in the short and long run. Similarly ICT has significant and positive impact on energy consumption also at all quantiles. The Quantile Granger Causality test provides evidence for bidirectional causality between ICT and economic growth and ICT and energy consumption. Wald test proved the presence of and symmetric and linear association between ICT and economic growth and ICT and energy consumption at quantiles in the long and short run both. In the light of these findings, the study recommends the Chinese government and investors to have more investment in energy efficient ICT products that consume less energy and help increase in economic growth in China.