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Does public data openness reduce boundary pollution? Evidence from interprovincial neighboring cities in China

Author

Listed:
  • Li, Peiyu
  • Zhou, Hanmei
  • Liu, Xinzhi
  • Li, Liping

Abstract

Boundary regions face persistent challenges in pollution control due to fragmented regulatory responsibilities and weak coordination. Public data openness (PDO) offers a new avenue for addressing boundary pollution (BP) by reducing market barriers and strengthening collaborative governance. Using China's PDO rollout as a quasinatural experiment and drawing on data from interprovincial neighboring cities, this study evaluates PDO's impact on BP. The results show that PDO significantly lowers BP without causing pollution displacement, primarily by promoting market integration and intensifying environmental constraints. Its effectiveness also varies according to officials' characteristics, local governance capacity, and the degree of interregional coordination. Analysis of platform data features further indicates that improving data utilization and expanding economic and environmental datasets are crucial for maximizing policy effectiveness. Additional evidence reveals that PDO brings notable economic benefits. Overall, these findings broaden the understanding of PDO and offer important insights for advancing cross-regional environmental governance.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Peiyu & Zhou, Hanmei & Liu, Xinzhi & Li, Liping, 2026. "Does public data openness reduce boundary pollution? Evidence from interprovincial neighboring cities in China," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 155(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecmode:v:155:y:2026:i:c:s0264999325004006
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econmod.2025.107405
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    JEL classification:

    • Q38 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Nonrenewable Resources and Conservation - - - Government Policy (includes OPEC Policy)
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • O25 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy - - - Industrial Policy

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