Quantifying the Impact of ICT Development Indicators on Regional Knowledge-Based Economies: A Comparative Analysis

The proliferation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has profoundly shaped the information society and exerted a direct influence on regional economic growth and the development of knowledge-based economies. This study employs Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) to conduct a comparative analysis of the effects of ICT on the growth of knowledge-based firms at the regional level, aiming to identify necessary and sufficient conditions. Eleven ICT indicators were used as conditions, and the number of knowledge-based firms served as the outcome.Findings indicate that adult literacy rates (15 years and above), fixed-line telephone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, and fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants demonstrated the highest consistency scores (0.98, 0.95, and 0.94, respectively) and exhibited the most substantial impact on the growth of knowledge-based firms. Consequently, access to telephone lines, broadband internet, and increased adult literacy levels are deemed as critical factors for fostering knowledge-based economies.