Using a sample of 193 countries from 2010 to 2019, this study investigates the impact of institutional quality index (IQI) and information and communication technology (ICT) on inclusive growth. The study engaged the panel spatial correlation consistent (PSCC-FE), instrumental variable-generalized method of moments (IV-GMM), and simultaneous quantile regressions (SQREG) models to assess if the impact differs by economic development (high-, low-, lower-middle- and upper-middle-income countries). The following findings emerge. The effect of IQI is positive across all models from the full sample, while that of ICT is heterogeneous, with mobile phones having a significant positive impact. The interaction effect is observed to be sensitive to the choice of ICT indicator. From the sub-samples, both IQI, ICT and their interaction show significant heterogeneous effect with consistent positive (negative interaction) outcomes in high-income countries. Thus, our findings strongly suggest that policymakers should prioritize institutional quality and ICT to ensure that economic growth translates into better living conditions for people in other income groups.

This study examines the impact of diaspora income on the ecological footprint of 22 African countries. Methodologically, we used the robust type fixed-effect model, fixed effect instrumental variable regression, method of moments quantile regression (MMQR), and the heterogenous granger causality test. There are four main important findings from this empirical study: (1) diaspora income has a negative and statistically significant impact on ecological footprint. (2) financial development plays a crucial role in mitigating the environmental degradation impact of diaspora income, and African countries must achieve an annual estimated threshold of financial development before they could reap the environmental quality impact of diaspora income. (3) the role of financial development in reducing the environmental degradation impact of diaspora income is less for higher polluting countries in Africa. (4) unidirectional causality from diaspora income to ecological footprint. In ensuring a sustainable environment, we recommend that African governments provide a tax credit to the recipient of the diaspora income who invests in environment-friendly technologies.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) advocate for advancing green growth, a concept that balances economic prosperity with environmental protection. At the core of this vision are principles of sustainable consumption, production, and energy usage, all aimed at mitigating climate change and safeguarding ecosystems. This study investigates how technological innovation influences the relationship between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and green growth in OECD member countries. Specifically, we examine two facets of green growth: production-based CO₂ productivity and demand-based CO₂ productivity. We employ empirical analyses using the EKC and STIRPAT framework, which includes Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), smoothed instrumental-variables quantile regression (SIVQR), and System GMM methodologies, to uncover significant insights. Our analysis reveals that FDI impedes green growth, while technological innovation is pivotal in enhancing it. This pattern holds steady across various time frames and renewable energy sources. Furthermore, our findings indicate that combining FDI and technological advancement leads to heightened production-based CO₂ productivity but diminished demand-based CO₂ productivity. We also identify the presence of an environmental Kuznets curve for production-based CO₂ productivity. Adding to significant scientific value by demonstrating how technological innovation moderates FDI's impact on green growth in OECD countries, we advocate for fostering collaborative partnerships between foreign investors and local innovators to leverage global expertise while advancing green objectives. Additionally, policy interventions should focus on stimulating demand for eco-friendly products and services to bolster demand-based CO₂ productivity.

This study examines the role of human capital and institutional quality on the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on poverty in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA). In achieving this, a balanced panel of 30 SSA countries from 1996 to 2018 was explored using fixed-effect instrumental regression, fixed effect panel threshold model, and the heterogenous Granger-causality test. There are three main important findings from this empirical study: (1) FDI does not have a direct impact on the incidence and intensity of poverty. (2) the impact of FDI is contingent on the absorptive capacity of the host country. The study further reveals that FDI will alleviate poverty conditions if interacted with human capital and institutional quality at a given threshold. (3) bidirectional causality between FDI and poverty. This study recommends that in addition to FDI’s promotional policies, governments of SSA countries need to improve investment in human capital. It is also important for SSA countries to embark on public sector reforms, as investments do not thrive in an environment characterized by high corruption or political instability.