Impact of investment in information technologies and education on economic growth in Ecuador (#684)

Authors

Arévalo Avecillas, Danny

Luciano Alipio, Rober

Pérez Villamar, José

Padilla Lozano, Carmen

Varas Fuentes, Ornella

Abstract

This study analyzes the impact of investment in information and communication technologies (ICTs) on Ecuador's economic growth, considering the role of complementary factors such as investment in education and research and development (R&D). A quantitative, non-experimental, and explanatory approach is adopted, using annual macroeconomic data and a multiple linear regression model estimated using ordinary least squares. The results show that ICT investment has a positive and statistically significant effect on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, confirming its role as a relevant determinant of the country's economic performance. In contrast, investment in education and R&D does not show significant effects in the short term, suggesting the presence of time lags and structural limitations typical of developing economies. Econometric analyses indicate an adequate model fit and the absence of severe multicollinearity problems, although moderate heteroscedasticity is detected, corrected using robust standard errors.