Exploring the dynamics of ICT and globalization on human development in India: asymmetric analysis and policy implications

The present study examines the asymmetrical relationship among globalization (GLB), information communication and technology (ICT), and human development in India, where ICT is measured by mobile density (MCS) and internet density (INT). The human development index (HDI) developed by UNDP is taken as a proxy for human development. The study analyzes data from 1990 to 2022, to determine the asymmetric relationship among the variables by employing a nonlinear auto-regressive distributed lag (NARDL) approach. The findings of the study reveal that in the long run, positive and negative variations in MCS have favorable and unfavorable impacts on HDI respectively. Conversely, an increase in INT has plummeting effect on  HDI, whereas a decrease in INT has a favorable impact on HDI. Also, positive tremors in GLB lead to a drop in HDI, whereas negative variations correspond to a rise in HDI. The findings are similar for the short-run period as well. Promoting human development in India necessitates a multifaceted strategy focused on important policy consequences. Based on our findings, the regulators must encourage ICT adoption and make integration into the global economy easier. This involves taking steps to promote trade liberalization and upgrade the internet infrastructure. Further, the regulators must implement policies to minimize the adverse impacts of GLB and ICT for fostering human development.