The role of non-cognitive skills in the adoption of information and communication technology in Indonesia

Non-cognitive skills play an essential role in economic development because they help determine the adoption of technological innovations, such as information and communication technology (ICT). However, evidence of the influence of non-cognitive abilities on ICT adoption in Indonesia is limited. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the role of non-cognitive skills in ICT adoption in Indonesia. This study employed the big five personality traits to measure individuals’ non-cognitive abilities. Using the national representative data from the Indonesian family life survey, the probit regression analysis was applied to analyze the role of non-cognitive skills on ICT adoption. The findings show that openness and extraversion can significantly increase ICT adoption. Meanwhile, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and neuroticism show a negative and significant influence. The disaggregate analysis based on gender and location shows different results. The findings in this study have shown that policymaking needs to consider the roles of non-cognitive skills. This finding implies that non-cognitive skills, such as the big five personality traits, should be considered in the formulation of the economic development policy.