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Green finance, rural digitization, and high-quality development of the rural economy

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  • Qi, Fengguo
  • Wang, Yan

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of green finance (GF) and rural digitization on the high-quality development of rural economies (HQDRE) using panel data from 31 provincial administrative regions in China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) from 2012 to 2023, employing a fixed effects model. The study finds that GF significantly promotes HQDRE; rural digitization also has a significant promotional effect on HQDRE; rural digitization plays a mediating role in the relationship between GF and HQDRE; the impact of GF on HQDRE exhibits heterogeneity across regions with different urban-rural income gaps; and the influence of rural digitization on HQDRE varies in regions with different levels of population aging.

Suggested Citation

  • Qi, Fengguo & Wang, Yan, 2026. "Green finance, rural digitization, and high-quality development of the rural economy," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 89(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:89:y:2026:i:c:s1544612325024912
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2025.109242
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    References listed on IDEAS

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