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Energy transition policy and Chinese rural revitalization: The roles of industrial upgrading and digital economy

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  • Zhang, Yulai
  • Pi, Luxueting
  • Chen, Yican
  • Shi, Rui

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of China's energy transition policy on rural revitalization, emphasizing the mediating role of industrial upgrading and the moderating influence of the digital economy. The research examines how new energy pilot city policies contribute to rural economic development, social welfare, and environmental sustainability. The results show that industrial upgrading plays a significant mediating role in linking energy policies to rural revitalization, while the digital economy strengthens this effect, highlighting the importance of digital infrastructure and literacy. The heterogeneity analysis reveals that these impacts vary across regions, with developed areas benefiting more significantly due to stronger economic foundations and digital readiness, while less developed regions face greater challenges. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders, advocating for tailored and integrated strategies that combine energy transition, industrial upgrading, and digital technologies to promote sustainable rural development across diverse regional contexts.

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  • Zhang, Yulai & Pi, Luxueting & Chen, Yican & Shi, Rui, 2024. "Energy transition policy and Chinese rural revitalization: The roles of industrial upgrading and digital economy," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 69(PA).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:69:y:2024:i:pa:s1544612324011292
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2024.106100
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    Cited by:

    1. Junxin Shen & Huizi Zhao & Fanghao Xiao, 2025. "Empowerment and Pathways of Digital Economy in Rural Revitalization: A Case Study of Low Urbanization Areas in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-26, March.
    2. Li, Xinheng & Zhong, Yixuan & Fu, Tao, 2024. "Financial support from children and older household cooking energy use in rural China," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 313(C).
    3. Ruiqiang Zheng & Huang Huang, 2024. "An Empirical Study on the Digital Economy, Fiscal Policy, and Regional Sustainable Development—Based on Data from Less Developed Regions in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-18, November.
    4. Xiaoying Ren & Guobing Ruan & Yimeng Han & Dingding Zhang & Yaqi Wei & Yongzhong Feng, 2025. "Rural Industry Integration in Yan’an City: Development Trends, Driving Factors, and Regional Stratification," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-21, February.

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