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How does the regional digital innovation ecosystem lead to high energy efficiency? An exploratory study based on fsQCA

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  • Pang, Qinghua
  • Zheng, Hongbin
  • Zhang, Lina
  • Chiu, Yung-ho

Abstract

Digital innovation has emerged as a pivotal catalyst for enhancing energy efficiency, offering novel pathways and methodologies. However, existing research mostly focused on the linear effects of individual digital innovation components, failing to capture the complex configuration mechanisms underlying energy efficiency improvement. Moreover, they often overlooked systematic analyses of the impacts of regional heterogeneity and sudden public events. Based on China's 30 provincial panel data from 2016 to 2021, this paper introduces the digital innovation ecosystem and measures six condition variables affecting energy efficiency using the Vertical and Horizontal Scatter Degree-Entropy Method. Energy efficiency is measured by the Epsilon-Based Measure in Data Envelopment Analysis incorporating undesirable outputs. The configuration pathways for condition variables to achieve high energy efficiency are examined by Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis. The results show that: (1) High energy efficiency is influenced by the non-linear synergy of various elements within the digital innovation ecosystem, revealing five distinct configuration pathways. (2) Regional analysis identifies six pathways for achieving high energy efficiency in eastern China, three in central China, and four in western China, highlighting regional heterogeneity. (3) The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the core patterns and primary pathways for achieving high energy efficiency. This study clarifies the multidimensional causality between digital innovation and energy efficiency, providing actionable insights for region-specific policy implications.

Suggested Citation

  • Pang, Qinghua & Zheng, Hongbin & Zhang, Lina & Chiu, Yung-ho, 2025. "How does the regional digital innovation ecosystem lead to high energy efficiency? An exploratory study based on fsQCA," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 253(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:253:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125012649
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123602
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