The Economic Impact of Internet Connectivity in Developing Countries
Year: 2025
Type: review
Abstract: Firms, workers, and consumers in developing countries are increasingly connected to each other and to the rest of the world through the internet. Can this connectivity transform poor economies, as technology optimists hope, or are there more deeply rooted barriers to economic development? Research on the topic is growing rapidly. In this article we provide an overview of existing evidence from 153 studies on the extent to which, and how, internet connectivity affects economic development. Not surprisingly, estimates vary widely with the context, particular outcome, and form of internet studied. Overall, the literature points toward sizable economic impacts in many—though not all—settings.
Source: Annual Review of Economics
Authors: Jonas Hjort, Lin Tian
Language: English
Topic: ICT Impact and Policies
Subfield: Media Technology
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4408213232