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Urban Digitalization and Economic Resilience During COVID‐19: Evidence from China

Author

Listed:
  • Jia Liu
  • Yipei Luo
  • Junxian Chen
  • Jun Chen
  • Hongying Sun

Abstract

The COVID‐19 pandemic has profoundly disrupted the global economy and China is no exception. Concurrently, urban digital transformation has significantly altered production, governance and urban systems, providing a valuable lens to examine resilient city development in the Chinese context. Grounded in supply–demand theory and new economic geography frameworks, this study explores the association between digitalization and urban economic resilience, while investigating potential relationships mediated through supply‐ and demand‐side pathways. The findings indicate a significant positive correlation between urban digitalization and economic stability during pandemic disruptions. Specifically, the analysis identifies interrelated factors including demand expansion, productivity patterns, industrial structure diversity, and agglomeration effects that demonstrate systematic relationships with economic resilience outcomes. Furthermore, cities in eastern regions and those with higher population densities exhibit patterns of stronger economic resilience, indicating spatial variations in the relationship between digitalization and resilience. These findings contribute to discussions about urban adaptation mechanisms in the digital era.

Suggested Citation

  • Jia Liu & Yipei Luo & Junxian Chen & Jun Chen & Hongying Sun, 2026. "Urban Digitalization and Economic Resilience During COVID‐19: Evidence from China," Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie, Royal Dutch Geographical Society KNAG, vol. 117(3), pages 359-373, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:tvecsg:v:117:y:2026:i:3:p:359-373
    DOI: 10.1111/tesg.70019
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