Abstract

While prior studies provide mixed evidence on whether ICT can help fight corruption, this study disaggregates the effect of ICT (specifically ICT penetration and regulation) on corruption over the short, medium, and long term to examine how this effect unfolds over time. Using a 11-year panel of secondary data (2010-2021) constructed from multiple sources (Transparency International, Global IT Report, World Economic Forum, and World Bank), we employ random-effects panel data models to examine how long it takes (in years) to realize the anti-corruption effects of ICT penetration and regulation, and how long those effects last. Our analysis shows that ICT penetration has an immediate significant effect on corruption; this effect is small between years 0 and 2 and strengthens between years 3 and 8. In contrast, ICT regulation has no significant immediate effect on corruption, a small but significant effect from year 1 through 7, and a stronger effect in year 8. Implications for these findings for corruption research and policy are discussed.

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