Digital Transformation, Knowledge based Economy, and Zero Hunger: Evidence from Asian Developing and G-7 Countries
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54938/ijemdss.2026.05.1.741Keywords:
Zero hunger, knowledge-Based Economy, SDG-2, Panel Analysis, Asian Developing Nations, G7 EconomiesAbstract
Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) necessitates novel approaches that improve food security via knowledge-based economic development. This research examines at the influence of the knowledge-based economy (KBE) on achieving zero hunger in 44 Asian developing nations and the G7 economies between 2000 and 2024. A composite Knowledge Economy Index based on education, innovation, information and communication technology, and the economic and institutional regime is compared to a Zero Hunger Index using second-generation panel econometric approaches. This empirical investigation includes use of cross-sectional dependency and slope homogeneity tests, the Cross-sectionally Augmented IPS (CIPS) unit root test, the Westerlund cointegration test, Cross-Sectional Autoregressive Distributed Lag (CS-ARDL) estimate, and Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality analysis. The results reveal a strong long-term link between the knowledge-based economy and zero hunger in groups both of countries. Improvements in the knowledge-based economy greatly reduce hunger, with a greater impact shown in G7 nations than in Asian developing countries. Renewable energy and foreign direct investment improve food security, whereas growing urbanization exacerbates hunger-related issues. The error correction estimates support a quick convergence to long-run equilibrium, whereas bidirectional causation between the KBE and Zero Hunger suggests a mutually supporting connection. The study suggests that enhancing education, innovation, digital infrastructure, and institutional quality is critical for improving food security. It will speed up the progress toward SDG 2, particularly in Asian developing nations and G7.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Seemab Ahmad, Dilawar khan, Alam Khan
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