Globalization has increased exponentially since the mid-twentieth century with the advent shipping containers, digital technologies and air transport. Being well-connected has important implications not only for incomes, but the transfer of ideas and growth enhancing technology. This study finds that being connected to well-connected countries matters for economic growth, but there is complementarity in the various types connections that enhances growth as well. Countries can benefit from: (i) multiple types of economic links (such as trade, investment, migration, and modern telecommunications) that underpin the movement of technologies and ideas
but also, (ii) the quality of connections in terms of knowledge spillovers and the indirect connections made through partners that are well connected. These are both aspects of inter-connectedness that have implications for growth and growth spillovers.