Does Terrorism Hamper Innovation Performance? Yes-New Empirical Evidence from South Asia Region

Authors

  • Zhichao Yu Pan-Asia Business School, Yunnan Normal University, China
  • Umar Farooq School of Economics and Finance, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
  • Mohammad Mahtab Alam Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Applied Medical Science, King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia
  • Jiapeng Dai School of Business, University of Wollongong Malaysia, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5755/j01.ee.35.5.34622

Keywords:

Innovation, Research and Development, Terrorism, Trademark applications, South Asia

Abstract

The contemporary literature has argued multiple factors affecting the innovation performance of a country. However, the frequency of studies exploring the terrorism-innovation nexus is quite low. To fill this gap, the current study is another attempt that quantifies the impact of terrorism on innovation performance. For empirical analysis, we utilize the data of South Asian countries over the period 2000 to 2021 and check the regression among variables by employing ARDL (autoregressive distributed lag) model. The consistency of results was checked by including the control variables i.e., FDI inflow, foreign aid, and government subsidies, and by employing the alternative estimation technique i.e., FMOLS (fully modified ordinary least square) model. The analysis infers that terrorism has a significant but negative impact on both RDE (research and development expenditures) and TMA (trademark applications) jointly pronounced as innovation performance. The increase in military expenditures, market uncertainty, and administrative costs are some possible channels through which terrorism hampers innovation. In view of the findings, we can infer the “sand the wheel” role of terrorism in determining innovation. The vital policy implication of the current analysis is that significant efforts should be exerted to ensure peace, and non-state actors responsible for fragile conditions should be handled by iron hands. This study provides robustness to existing studies exploring the terrorism-innovation nexus and adds new thoughts to limited literature.

Author Biographies

Zhichao Yu, Pan-Asia Business School, Yunnan Normal University, China

Zhichao Yu is a distinguished researcher in economic management with a focus on sustainable development and green innovation. Earning his Master's degree at the Yunnan Normal University Pan-Asian Business School, Yu has contributed significantly to understanding the economic and environmental challenges, particularly within China and extending to Asian and Sub-Saharan African regions, as well as BRICS nations. His research, published in prominent journals such as Resources Policy, Borsa Istanbul Review, and Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, reflects his interdisciplinary approach to fostering sustainable solutions. Yu's international collaborations highlight his role in addressing global sustainability and economic management challenges.

Umar Farooq, School of Economics and Finance, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China

Umar Farooq, Ph.D., is a scholar in applied economics at the School of Economics and Finance, Xian Jiaotong University, China. Currently, his Ph.D. is at the final stage. He has a strong research interest in the areas of corporate finance and investment, green finance, sustainable development, and macroeconomic theory and practice. He has recently published papers in peer-reviewed journals,  including the Borsa Istanbul Review, Research in International Business and Finance, Journal of Cleaner Production, International Journal of Finance and Economics, Energy Policy, Energy, Bulletin of Economic Research, International Review of Administrative Sciences, and Resources Policy.

Mohammad Mahtab Alam, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Applied Medical Science, King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia

Mohammad Mahtab Alam, Dr., currently serves as an assistant professor and as a specialist in Biostatistics and Modelling with over 10 years of experience teaching medical graduate and postgraduate students. He has delivered numerous invited sessions on Statistical Analysis and SPSS for medical and applied medical teaching staff and post graduate students. He has published 147 research papers, presented research papers at 42 national and international conferences, and received three best research paper awards. He has also organized 39 workshops on biostatistics and research methodology.

Jiapeng Dai, School of Business, University of Wollongong Malaysia, Malaysia

Jiapeng Dai is a leading researcher in environmental studies, focusing on environmental governance, sustainable development, and green innovation. His work has been featured in prestigious journals, including Utilities Policy, Gondwana Research, Finance Research Letters, Journal of Organization & Management, and Journal of Cleaner Production. Several of his publications have been recognized as highly cited and "hot papers" by the Web of Science. Dai’s dedication to advancing knowledge in environmental governance and sustainability is evident through his academic accomplishments and significant recognition in the scientific community.

Additional Files

Published

2024-12-23

Issue

Section

Articles