Investigating the impact of digital economy and information management on labor productivity in the provinces of Iran

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to study the impact of digital economy and Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of the digital economy and the role of information management on labor productivity in the provinces of Iran during 2012-2013. The digital economy, as a key driver of economic development, has gained increasing importance in recent decades. Information management, as a part of this economy, plays an effective role in improving efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing productivity. The present study seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of the role of digital and information technologies in improving labor productivity.

Method: In this study, data related to labor productivity and digital economy indicators, including the number of landline users, the number of mobile users, the number of Internet subscribers, bandwidth, financial and information transaction management, electronic payment transactions, added value of knowledge-intensive industries, and sanctions-related indicators, were collected. The research method was a combination of descriptive analysis and advanced econometrics. The data were analyzed using dynamic modeling and time series methods to examine the impact of selected indicators of the digital economy and information management on labor productivity. These methods allowed for the identification of causal relationships and the determination of the relative importance of each variable.

Findings: The research findings showed that the indicators of the digital economy and information management have a positive and significant impact on labor productivity. Among the most important results, we can mention the direct and strong impact of the increase in the number of Internet users and bandwidth on labor productivity. Greater bandwidth allows for faster access to information and reduces the time spent on work-related activities, thus increasing efficiency. In addition, electronic payment transactions have had a significant impact on improving economic performance by reducing the need for face-to-face interactions and speeding up financial processes. Information management, as a key variable, has also led to the optimization of decision-making and the improvement of service quality.

Discussion and Analysis: The results of this study indicate that investing in digital infrastructure and strengthening information technologies can not only increase labor productivity, but also indirectly contribute to economic and social development in Iranian provinces. At the same time, the impact of sanctions as an intervening variable has limited the performance of the digital economy; however, the findings show that effective information management and optimal use of available resources can reduce the negative effects of these limitations to some extent.

Conclusion: According to the research findings, it can be concluded that the development and improvement of digital infrastructure and information technologies are essential to improve labor productivity in Iran. Policymakers and decision-makers should develop comprehensive and targeted programs to expand bandwidth, increase Internet access, and facilitate electronic transactions. Also, training the workforce in digital skills can significantly increase productivity. In future studies, it is suggested that variables such as education level, political stability, and technological changes be examined more closely to provide a more complete picture of the impact of the digital economy on labor productivity.

Keywords: Labor productivity, sanctions, value added, digital economy and information management, e-banking

Conclusion: According to the research findings, it can be concluded that the development and improvement of digital infrastructure and information technologies are essential to improve labor productivity in Iran. Policymakers and decision-makers should develop comprehensive and targeted programs to expand bandwidth, increase Internet access, and facilitate electronic transactions. Also, training the workforce in digital skills can significantly increase productivity. In future studies, it is suggested that variables such as education level, political stability, and technological changes be examined more closely to provide a more complete picture of the impact of the digital economy on labor productivity.

Keywords: Labor productivity, sanctions, value added, digital economy and information management, e-banking