Title: From infrastructure to innovation: a review of economic growth effects from ICT, education, and R&D

Authors: Rashid S. Aljneibi; Ijaz Ur Rehman; Panagiotis D. Zervopoulos

Addresses: College of Business Administration, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE ' Department of Business Administration, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE ' Department of Business Administration, University of Piraeus, Greece; Department of Business Administration, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE

Abstract: We review how information and communication technology (ICT), education, and Research and Development (R&D) work together to influence economic growth in both emerging and developed countries. To fill that gap, we reviewed 108 peer-reviewed papers from the Scopus database using thematic analysis and bibliometric mapping. Our review shows that ICT boosts the quality of education and strengthens R&D collaboration, which helps build skilled human capital and drive innovation, which is a key ingredient for economic growth. Education improves productivity and innovation potential, though its impact depends on the country's institutions and stage of development. R&D, meanwhile, supports long-term growth but needs a strong ecosystem and good governance to be effective. Overall, the findings point to a complex but influential relationship between ICT, education, and R&D. Together, they shape how economies grow, especially when policies are designed to match each country's unique needs and context.

Keywords: digitalisation; education systems; research and development; innovation; economic growth.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTGM.2026.153767

International Journal of Trade and Global Markets, 2026 Vol.22 No.1, pp.1 - 30

Received: 23 Jun 2025
Accepted: 11 Sep 2025
Published online: 26 May 2026 *

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