Digitalisation, Carbon Efficiency and the Green Transition: A Digital Transformation Index Approach for Türkiye
Öz
This study examines the relationship between digital connectivity, economic performance, and environmental outcomes in Türkiye over the period 2001–2021 within the twin-transition perspective. The study constructs a parsimonious Digital Transformation Index (DTI) using internet use and fixed broadband subscriptions, treating it as a digital-connectivity indicator rather than a comprehensive measure of digital transformation. The empirical analysis investigates the associations between DTI and real GDP per capita, CO₂ emissions per capita, and the carbon intensity of GDP, while controlling for unemployment, urbanisation, and the renewable energy share. Given the short annual time series and the mixed integration properties of the variables, the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds-testing approach is used as the primary estimation strategy. OLS, FMOLS, DOLS, and Granger causality tests are retained only as supplementary, robustness, and exploratory analyses. The findings indicate that digital connectivity is closely associated with Türkiye’s broader structural transformation, particularly urbanisation and income growth, rather than operating as an independent causal driver. The ARDL evidence provides limited and cautious support for long-run relationships, while the environmental results suggest that digital connectivity is not automatically linked to lower emissions or stronger carbon efficiency. The interaction between DTI and renewable energy does not provide strong evidence that renewable energy has fully transformed digital expansion into a green transition process during the study period. Overall, the results point to a partially greening but still carbon-constrained digital transition in Türkiye. Policy implications highlight the need to align digital infrastructure investment with renewable electricity expansion, energy-efficient data systems, green industrial transformation, and sectoral decarbonisation strategies.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Digital Transformation, Twin Transition, Economic Performance, Carbon Intensity, Renewable Energy
Kaynakça
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