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The impact of the coupling coordination between new-type urbanization and the digital economy on ecological efficiency

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  • Shi, Lelai
  • Lin, Hong
  • Tan, Bing

Abstract

This study uses panel data from 279 prefecture-level cities in China spanning 2011 to 2022 to examine the coupled and coordinated development between new-type urbanization and the digital economy, and its impact on ecological efficiency. Applying coupling coordination degree, dynamic spatial panel, and threshold regression models, the analysis reveals a robust interaction mechanism between new-type urbanization and the digital economy. Their coordinated development significantly improves local ecological efficiency by promoting industrial structure upgrading and green technological innovation. Additionally, it generates a nonlinear, inverted U-shaped spatial spillover effect on neighboring regions, as validated through multiple robustness checks. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the positive impact of this coordinated development is more pronounced in non-resource-based cities, cities with high-speed rail, cities outside ecological civilization demonstration zones, and cities with strong intellectual property protection. Regional analysis further highlights spatial spillovers and disparities in ecological efficiency effects across eastern, central, and western regions. Moreover, the study identifies a threshold effect: the influence of coordinated development on ecological efficiency depends on the degree of governmental attention to environmental protection.

Suggested Citation

  • Shi, Lelai & Lin, Hong & Tan, Bing, 2025. "The impact of the coupling coordination between new-type urbanization and the digital economy on ecological efficiency," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 105(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finana:v:105:y:2025:i:c:s1057521925005149
    DOI: 10.1016/j.irfa.2025.104427
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    1. Lu, Yujia & Xu, Ruolin & Shi, Lingyan & Ma, Wenju, 2026. "Digital economy and cultural-tourism integration: Synergistic effects of financial agglomeration," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).

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