The Impact of Frontier Technologies on Countries' Integration into Global Value Chains: Evidence from Panel Data Analysis of selected North African Economies (2008 2018)

This study examines the impact of frontier technologies on countries' integration into global value chains. A quantitative approach was adopted using panel data and a pooled ordinary least squares (OLS) model was applied to a sample of countries in North Africa over the period (2008 202081). The study used the Frontier Technology Readiness Ind ex (FTRI) developed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), which consists of five main pillars: ICT diffusion, skills, research and development (R&D), industrial activity, access to finance, and the GVC participation index. The results indicate that ICT diffusion, access to finance, and skills have statistically significant positive effects on integration into global value chains. In contrast, R&D and industrial activity have statistically significant negative effects. This indi cates that while some dimensions of frontier technology enhance countries' integration into global value chains, other dimensions may pose challenges, particularly in cases where local innovation systems or industrial structures are underdeveloped. The res ults underscore the importance of adopting a balanced approach that takes into account the context of frontier technology readiness to achieve effective integration.