ICT service exports and CO2 emissions in OECD countries: the moderating effect of regulatory quality

This research assesses the impact of information communication technology (ICT) service exports on carbon (CO2) emissions and examines regulatory quality's moderating role. The study sample comprises OECD countries' data from 2001 to 2019. Random-effect generalized least-square regression, feasible generalized least square, and panel-corrected standard error models are used for the estimations. The results show that ICT service exports are negatively related to CO2 emissions, and the negative effect of ICT on CO2 emissions will be enhanced when regulatory quality is higher. OECD countries should give greater support to improve the innovation capabilities of ICT companies and implement more sound policies and regulations to achieve sustainable development goals and carbon neutrality.