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Impact of digitalisation of public services on employment and economic integration of internal migrants: Evidence from Hainan Province (China)

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  • Yuli Chen

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the impact of the digitalisation of public services on the access of internal migrants to the labour market and their transaction costs in Hainan Province, China. The study employed a methodological design based on documentary analysis, statistical and comparative methods, and conceptual modelling. The study found that digitalisation is being implemented in Hainan Province as an integrated, multi-level system encompassing digital public administration infrastructure, digital administrative procedures and digital socio-economic services. An approach to indirectly assessing internal migrants’ transaction costs was substantiated by analysing administrative procedures, the accessibility of digital public services, labour-market indicators, social security and the digital economy. By 2025, 754 government information systems had been integrated into a single digital environment, centralising interdepartmental data exchange and supporting the operation of the Free Trade Port. Statistical analysis revealed that between 2022 and 2024, the employed population of the province grew by 3.8%, rising from 531,000 to 551,000 people. Per capita disposable income increased by 12.5%, rising from 30,957 to 34,829 yuan, while income from entrepreneurial activity grew by 12.9%, rising from 6,180 to 6,978 yuan. Meanwhile, participation in the employee pension insurance scheme increased by 10.6%, while participation in basic medical insurance and unemployment insurance rose by 2.4% and 2.1%, respectively. Meanwhile, the number of enterprises engaged in e-commerce grew by 51.7%, rising from 735 to 1,115. These findings suggest that the development of digital public services has led to changes in the socio-economic environment, creating conditions that reduce transaction costs and promote the economic integration of internal migrants. The study’s practical significance lies in the fact that the proposed analytical model for assessing internal migrants’ transaction costs can be used by public authorities responsible for digital transformation, social policy and the regulation of internal migration. This allows them to evaluate the effectiveness of the digitalisation of public services and improve integration mechanisms for internal migrants

Suggested Citation

  • Yuli Chen, 2026. "Impact of digitalisation of public services on employment and economic integration of internal migrants: Evidence from Hainan Province (China)," E-Forum Working Papers, Economic Forum, vol. 16(3), pages 20-31, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:cuc:eforum:v:16:y:2026:i:3:p:20-31
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.62763/ef/3.2026.20
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    2. Jonathan Jacob Paul Latupeirissa & Ni Luh Yulyana Dewi & I Kadek Rian Prayana & Melati Budi Srikandi & Sahri Aflah Ramadiansyah & Ida Bagus Gde Agung Yoga Pramana, 2024. "Transforming Public Service Delivery: A Comprehensive Review of Digitization Initiatives," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-23, March.
    3. Nathalie Haug & Sorin Dan & Ines Mergel, 2024. "Digitally-induced change in the public sector: a systematic review and research agenda," Public Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 26(7), pages 1963-1987, July.
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