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Exploring the mechanisms and regional variations in how digital financial inclusion drives high-quality real economic development across China

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  • Gao, Jiwen
  • Li, Hao
  • Zhang, Didi

Abstract

This study utilizes a comprehensive panel dataset spanning from 2011 to 2021, encompassing 284 prefecture-level cities across China, to delve into the intricate relationship between digital financial inclusion and the high-quality development trajectory of the real economy. Our findings underscore the pivotal role of digital financial inclusion in significantly bolstering the growth of the real economy. Furthermore, we reveal that this enhancement occurs, in part, through the stimulation and safeguarding of entrepreneurial activities, thereby contributing to the high-quality development of the regional real economy. Notably, our analysis also highlights the existence of regional disparities in the manner and extent to which digital financial inclusion influences the development of the real economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Gao, Jiwen & Li, Hao & Zhang, Didi, 2025. "Exploring the mechanisms and regional variations in how digital financial inclusion drives high-quality real economic development across China," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 73(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:73:y:2025:i:c:s1544612324016787
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2024.106649
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    References listed on IDEAS

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