Title: State of Digitalization in the Southeast Asia Region
Authors: Suranto, B., Kovač, N., Haryono, K., Abdul Rahman, S.F., Mohd Shukri, A.F., Suder, M., & Kusa, R.
This paper presents a bibliometric analysis of the state of digitalization in Southeast Asia, focusing on the period from 2018 to 2023. By leveraging the Scopus database, we conducted a comprehensive review of literature in the digital domain, identifying key trends, regional disparities, and thematic focuses within the ASEAN nations. Our analysis reveals significant strides in digitalization, marked by increased scholarly attention and publication output, particularly from countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. The study also highlights a stark digital divide within the region, with countries like Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar lagging in digital infrastructure and literacy. We analyzed 5058 articles from the last five years, applying a bibliometric approach to assess publication patterns, author affiliations, and emerging research themes. The results indicate a diversified research landscape, with significant contributions in areas such as digital governance, economy, infrastructure, and societal impacts. The paper also discusses the role of digitalization in economic growth, social inclusion, and sustainable development within the region. Our findings underscore the importance of regional collaborations and targeted policies to bridge the digital divide. We emphasize the necessity of inclusive digital strategies that consider the unique socio-economic and cultural contexts of each ASEAN country. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers, academicians, and industry stakeholders, guiding future research agendas and digital initiatives in Southeast Asia. The bibliometric analysis not only maps the scholarly terrain but also offers actionable intelligence for decision-makers in navigating the digitalization landscape across this dynamic and diverse region.
Title: Digital Divide in the European Union
Authors: Kovač, N., Żmija, K., Roy. J.K., Kusa, R., & Duda, J.
This paper explores the evolving landscape of digitization research within the European Union (EU) and Western Balkan (WB) countries over the past five years. Employing a detailed selection methodology and leveraging the extensive Scopus database, the study analyzes 1119 articles from EU countries and 277 articles from WB countries. The multidisciplinary nature of ongoing digitization research is evident, encompassing diverse fields such as technology,
agriculture, law, and education. Key findings highlight the spatial distribution of publications within the EU, revealing varying levels of digitalization across member states. The collaborative nature of EU universities is emphasized, with a diffuse distribution of research efforts. In the WB, Serbia emerges as a research powerhouse, particularly affiliated with the University of Belgrade and the University of Novi Sad. However, a notable observation is the
localized focus of WB countries on regional research topics. Keyword network analysis unveils distinct research priorities, with the EU focusing on digital technologies, economic advancements, and sustainable development, while the WB emphasizes societal inquiries, digital domains, and gender-diverse research. The differing research priorities underscore the need for tailored strategies to bridge digital disparities. Despite these insights, the study has
limitations related to database selection and the evolving nature of bibliometric data. This research provides a foundation for future studies, offering perspectives on digitization trends and guiding policy considerations for both the EU and WB regions.
Tittle: Digital Performance of Public Sector Institutions in South-East Asia
Authors: Anetta Caplanova & Sophia Dimelis
The paper aims to provide an assessment of the digital performance of the public sector institutions in the South-East Asian region, focusing on Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
The assessment of the digital performance of public authorities in these economies is based on the evidence provided by existing studies as well as on various indicators such as the UN e-government digital indices, the OECD’s SME policy indices, the World Bank global competitiveness indicators as well as the IMD digital competitiveness indicators. The paper also investigates factors that have impacted the E-government performance using a panel data set comprising all East Asian countries over the period 2003-2022 using panel data econometric techniques. The empirical analysis showed the importance of institutional and demographic factors and the level of development for improving the e-government performance of South-East Asian countries. Policy recommendations are derived based on this analysis.
Title: Bibliometric analyses on digital payment using lens.org and voiseviewers: comparasion of research between Malaysia and Poland
Authors: Nor Irvoni Mohd Ishar, Mior Harris Mior Harun, Azlina Hanif, Nur Arfah Mustapha, Rafal Kusa, Joanna Duda
An unprecedented surge in digital payments has had a profound effect on the economic development of developing nations. This transition has enabled greater financial inclusion through the provision of banking services to populations that were previously marginalised. In addition, it has reduced reliance on physical currency, thereby improving security and transparency. This bibliometric analysis examines the research on digital payments in Malaysia and Poland, providing a comparative perspective on research patterns and contributions in these two countries. Furthermore, this study offers a comprehensive examination of the research environment in Malaysia and Poland, elucidating the distinct approaches, methodology, and areas of emphasis in each nation. These findings provide useful insights for those interested in championing digital payment initiatives, as well as contributing to a more robust and resilient digital payment framework. As digital payment ecosystems mature, their significance in altering the economic landscape of emerging countries is likely to become more evident in facilitating cross-border knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Title: The State of Digitalization in Montenegro and Indonesia: A Comparative Study
Authors: Ivan Piper, Ratna Roostika, Majang Palupi
The primary objective of this research is to conduct a comparative analysis of the state of digitalization in Montenegro and Indonesia. Therefore, the aim of this research is to analyze the current status of digitalization in these two countries, the effects of COVID-19 on the process of digitalization, as well as other potential factors that have affected the process of digitalization in Montenegro and Indonesia.
The research is based on methodology which includes review of existing scientific literature and various reports, government reports, strategies and other relevant documents, as well as data analysis in Montenegro and Indonesia. The results show that there are a number of
concrete positive consequences of the coronavirus crisis when it comes to the process of digitalization, and that the role of governments is getting bigger in that regard. The mindset of people has changed in the past several years, which led to new needs, as well as new and faster ways of doing business, or life in general. However, several factors are identified that could hinder the process of digitalization in Montenegro and Indonesia. Therefore, due to poverty and digital illiteracy, especially in rural areas, it is questionable if the whole population of these two countries have enough knowledge, skills, sufficient technology and equipment to be able to adapt to new digital procedures.
Woźniak, M., Matejun, M., Azmi, F.R., Harun, M.H.M., & Hamzah, F. (2023). Technology transfer centers as support instruments for SMEs – comparative analysis of Poland and Malaysia. Sustainability, 15(22), 15814. [MDPI; IF 3.9 (2022)]
Choczyńska, A., Rani, S., & Tora, J. (2024). Comparison of international digitalisation indexes: A quantitative analysis perspective. International Entrepreneurship Review, 10(2), 25-42. https://doi.org/10.15678/IER.2024.1002.02 [UEK; MNiSW 100pkt]
Kovac, N., Żmija, K., Kumar , R. J., Kusa, R., & Duda, J. (2024). Digital divide and digitalization in Europe: A bibliometric analysis. Equilibrium. Quarterly Journal of Economics and Economic Policy, 19(2), 463–520. https://doi.org/10.24136/eq.2899 [IBG; IF 5 (2023)]
Kusa, R., Suder, M., & Duda, J. (2024). Role of entrepreneurial orientation, information management, and knowledge management in improving firm performance. International Journal of Information Management, 78, 102802. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2024.102802 [Elsevier; IF 20,1 (2023)]
Wodecka-Hyjek, A., Kusa, R., & Kafel, T. (2024). Evaluating the current state of Digital Era Governance application in local government units in the Malopolska Region. Engineering Management in Production and Services, 16(1), 19-30. https://doi.org/10.2478/emj-2024-00021. [Bialystok University of Technology; CiteScore: 3.9 (2022)]
Title: Digital Divide Among ASEAN Countries: Evidence from Vietnam, Philippines, Laos, Cambodia and Indonesia.
Authors: Arlinah Abd. Rashid, Azlina Hanif, Nor Hazirah Mohamad Shukri
This study investigates digital convergence among ASEAN’s low-Human Development Index (HDI) countries—Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos—using fixed broadband subscriptions and internet usage as indicators of digitalization. Through sigma and beta convergence analyses, findings show a lack of convergence, with persistent disparities in digital infrastructure and adoption across these nations. While digitally advanced countries like Indonesia and Vietnam show progress, lower-HDI nations such as Cambodia and Laos face significant structural and policy challenges that limit fair access to digital resources. Policy recommendations include foundational investments in broadband infrastructure for low-HDI countries and a regional ASEAN Digital Cohesion Fund to support digital equity. The study highlights the need for coordinated national, regional, and international efforts to advance digital inclusivity, aligning with ASEAN’s goal of a resilient and inclusive digital economy.
Title: Digital development among top 5 ASEAN countries: Convergence or Divergence?
Authors: Azlina Hanif, Arlinah Abd Rashid, Muhamad Hilman Roselan
Digitalization plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth and encouraging innovation, making it crucial for nations to reduce disparities in digital development to ensure inclusive and sustainable progress. This study examines the convergence of digitalization among the selected top five ASEAN economies—Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Brunei—focusing on two indicators: internet usage (IU) and fixed broadband subscriptions (FBS). The research aims to determine whether digital disparities within these nations are narrowing or widening over time, a process known as sigma and beta convergence. The analysis utilizes panel data from 1995 to 2022 for IU and from 2003 to 2022 for FBS. The results show sigma convergence in both indicators, suggesting that these ASEAN economies are becoming more similar in their digital development. However, beta convergence analysis reveals mixed outcomes. While there is evidence of beta convergence for IU, implying that less digitally advanced countries are catching up, there is divergence in FBS, indicating that disparities in fixed broadband access are widening. These findings have important implications for policymakers and stakeholders, who must address the gaps in digital infrastructure and access to ensure equitable digital growth across the region. The results highlight the necessity of targeted interventions to enhance digital inclusion and infrastructure development, particularly in lagging countries. Future research should consider a broader set of ASEAN nations and additional digitalization indicators to provide a more comprehensive analysis of digital convergence in the region.
Title: Endogenous Growth and the Influence of Information and Communication Technology on Poland’s Economic Trajectory
Authors: J.S. Keshminder, Maciej Woźniak, Rafal Kusa, Abdul Rahim Ridzuan, Naila Erum
Poland has experienced a remarkable digital revolution, driven by technological advancements and proactive government policies. The increasing integration of information and communication technology (ICT) has played a pivotal role in this transformation. To assess the economic impacts of these changes, this research examines key indicators such as gross fixed capital formation, labor force dynamics, human capital and education, technology and innovation, foreign direct investment (FDI), and ICT infrastructure. Using 33 years of data from 1990 to 2022, we employed the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds testing methodology to derive empirical insights. The results indicate that, in the short run, ICT, labor, and FDI positively and significantly contribute to Poland’s economic growth, with labor exerting the strongest influence. However, capital investment shows a negative effect on growth, possibly due to inefficient allocation and diminishing returns in certain sectors. In the long run, labor and FDI continue to positively and significantly impact growth, while capital investment remains a negative factor. These findings lead to several key policy recommendations aimed at strengthening Poland’s economic growth trajectory.
Title: Assessing Digital Infrastructure in Internet Use: A Comparative Study of Southeast Asia and Balkan Region
Authors: Muhamad Hilman Roselan, Nataša Kovač
This study investigates the role of digital infrastructure—specifically Internet affordability, quality, and availability—in driving economic growth, with a focus on Southeast Asia and the Balkan Region. Through a comparative analysis of these digital infrastructure indicators, the research evaluates their collective impact on GDP growth in both regions. Additionally, the study assesses which digital infrastructure factor exerts the most significant influence on economic growth within these areas. The analysis emphasizes how technological affordances, such as coverage and affordability, directly influence Internet adoption and usage, while high-quality and reliable connectivity serves as a key driver for increased subscription and engagement. Furthermore, Internet availability is shown to enhance sectors like education and healthcare while reducing societal inequalities. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of digital infrastructure, exposing a stark urban-rural digital divide that hinders equitable access to online services. This study compares Southeast Asian countries, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, with Balkan nations such as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, and Turkey, highlighting the transformative potential of digital infrastructure in emerging markets. Addressing the disparities in digital access and literacy is essential for promoting inclusive socioeconomic development. Bridging this digital divide is critical for ensuring balanced opportunities and contributing to global efforts toward socioeconomic equality.
Title: Towards a cashless society: Examining the Impact of Digital Infrastructure on mPayment Transactions (A Cross-Region Analysis)
Authors: Nor Hazirah Mohamad Shukri, Nataša Kovač
The worldwide financial environment has been completely transformed by the rise of financial technology, or fintech, which has greatly increased mobile payment (mPayment) transactions. This study investigates the relationship between digital infrastructure and mPayment transactions across countries through a quantitative analysis approach. Secondary data from central banks and relevant agencies are used to explore factors such as the access to electric, secure internet server, numbers of individual using internet, mobile cellular subscriptions, fixed broadband subscription, the automated teller machines (ATMs), and mobile data’s affordability. The study uses regression modelling and comparative analytic approaches to shed light on how digital infrastructure affects mPayment transactions, with a focus on a variety of EU-27 and Southeast Asian nations. The results show that Secure Internet Servers and internet penetration are key factors influencing mPayment transactions, provide guidance on how to encourage mPayment use, and leverage digitalization to drive socioeconomic progress towards a cashless society.
Working Paper – LINK
Title: Intersectional digital inequality in Indonesia
Authors: Choczyńska, Agnieszka
Indonesia is an emerging economy with a fast-growing digital sector. However, the development is not uniform across the country, with wide gaps related to regional differences and personal characteristics. This paper analyses the digital gap in Indonesia in the intersectional framework. I consider several metrics, such as the ratio of the population accessing the Internet, villages receiving mobile internet signal, and telecommunication expenditures. The study spans five years, from 2018 to 2022 (with some years missing for some of the variables). The data comes from BPS-Statistics Indonesia 2022 report “Telecommunication Statistics in Indonesia”. I compute the Equality Ratios for one-dimensional and intersectional inequality as the value of the digitalisation metric for the most underprivileged group divided by the value for the most privileged group. Then, I assess the intersectional surplus as the difference between the inequality experienced by the intersectional group and the combination of one-dimensional inequalities. There is a substantial gap in internet usage and mobile internet availability in Indonesia, mostly related to urban/rural division and disparities between provinces. On the contrary, the gender gap is minimal. I also find no inequality in telecommunication expenditures. The gaps in internet usage were converging in recent years, but this was not true for the gaps in internet availability. People in intersectional groups face the combination of one-dimensional inequalities, but in most cases, there are none or minimal surplus effects.
Siuta-Tokarska, B., Kowalik, M., Yusuf, I. A., Suder, M., & Privara, A. (2024). The Assessment of the State of the Digital Economy in South-East Asia.
Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/
Żmija, K., Ahmad, W., Szymla, W., & Suder, M. (2024). The Assessment of the State of Digital Economy in Selected EU Countries.
Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/
Juchniewicz, J. (2024). Digitalization Development of Family Businesses in Thailand.