Open Access
Article
SciPap-2377
Does ICT Development Moderate the Economic Growth – Ecological Footprint Nexus in Developing Countries? Evidence from Vietnam
by
Duy Tran Luu 1,* 
and Truong Vinh Tran Luu 2
1 Department of International Trade, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekjae Daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do 54896, Korea, Republic of
2 Department of Economics, Syracuse University, 900 S Crouse Ave, Syracuse, NY 13244, United States of America
* Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract: In many developing countries, rapid economic growth has improved living standards but also intensified environmental degradation. This study investigates whether Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development can mitigate the environmental consequences of economic growth in Vietnam from 1985 to 2023. Using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach and the ecological footprint as a comprehensive indicator of environmental pressure, the analysis examines the moderating role of ICT in the growth–environment relationship. The results show that while economic growth exacerbates ecological stress, several ICT dimensions - particularly mobile cellular penetration, medium- and high-technology exports, and the composite ICT index - significantly reduce the long-run environmental impact of growth. These findings highlight the potential of ICT development, especially high-tech export, as a strategic policy instrument for achieving sustainable growth in developing economies by reducing environmental degradation.
Keywords: Economic Growth, Vietnam, Environmental Sustainability, Ict Development, Ecological Footprint
JEL classification: O13 - Agriculture • Natural Resources • Energy • Environment • Other Primary Products, O44 - Environment and Growth, Q01 - Sustainable Development, Q56 - Environment and Development • Environment and Trade • Sustainability • Environmental Accounts and Accounting • Environmental Equity • Population Growth
Received: 14 September 2025 / Revised: 19 February 2026 / Accepted: 20 February 2026 / Published: 23 February 2026
