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Digital economy-driven sports industry: The synergistic effects of data factorization and tourism upgrading

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  • Liu, Zhaoyong
  • Zhao, Jingfang

Abstract

The rapid expansion of the digital economy has reshaped industries worldwide; however, its influence on the sports industry remains underexplored. This study investigates how digital economy development drives sports industry growth, focusing on the mediating roles of data factorization and tourism upgrading. Using provincial panel data from 31 Chinese regions spanning 2010–2023, we test four hypotheses using fixed-effects regression models with stepwise mediation analysis. Empirical results confirm that digital economy development significantly and positively affects sports industry expansion. This relationship operates through two channels: data factorization, whereby data resources are leveraged as productive economic assets and tourism upgrading, which enhances service quality and cross-sector integration. We also identify an interaction effect—regions improving both data utilization and tourism upgrading see greater sports industry gains than those experiencing separate advances. Heterogeneity analysis reveals pronounced regional disparities: the Eastern provinces demonstrate the strongest digital–sports linkage, followed by the Central provinces. In contrast, Western provinces exhibit comparatively weaker effects attributable to infrastructure deficits and resource constraints. Robustness checks using alternative dependent variables and estimation methods validate these findings. The study contributes to understanding the mechanisms underlying digital-driven industrial transformation, with implications for policymakers seeking to develop regional sports industries through strategies that combine digital infrastructure investment, data-driven innovation and tourism enhancement.

Suggested Citation

  • Liu, Zhaoyong & Zhao, Jingfang, 2026. "Digital economy-driven sports industry: The synergistic effects of data factorization and tourism upgrading," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 92(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:92:y:2026:i:c:s1544612326000887
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2026.109557
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    References listed on IDEAS

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