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The Impact of Digital Trade Barriers on Technological Innovation Efficiency and Sustainable Development

Author

Listed:
  • Modan Yan

    (School of Economics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China)

  • Haiyun Liu

    (School of Economics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China)

Abstract

The global digitization trend provides a favorable development environment for the efficient acquisition of knowledge and technology. However, restrictions imposed by countries on digital trade have hindered this trend. This study is based on 60 sample countries to study the impact of the digital trade barrier (DTB) on the technology innovation efficiency (TIE) of each country and the pathways from 2014 to 2020. Research finds that DTB significantly inhibits TIE. Among the five different policy fields that form DTB, Infrastructure and Connecting DTB and Other DTB have the greatest negative impact on TIE. A mechanism analysis found that DTB increases the difficulty of acquiring knowledge spillover and the high cost of research and development, leading to the mismatch and low efficiency of innovation resources, ultimately leading to a reduction in technological innovation efficiency in various countries. Participating in international technological innovation networks and improving technological innovation capabilities have a moderating effect on the aforementioned negative impacts that is beneficial for the sustainable development of national technological innovation. Heterogeneity tests indicate that countries with weaker innovation capabilities, low- and middle-income countries, and countries that have not joined the OECD have a more significant negative impact. This study serves as an important reference for the government to adjust digital trade policies and guide the effective use of external resources for sustainable and efficient technological innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Modan Yan & Haiyun Liu, 2024. "The Impact of Digital Trade Barriers on Technological Innovation Efficiency and Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-19, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:12:p:5169-:d:1416924
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Jianbo Hu & Wenxin Cai & Yu Shen & Faustino Dinis, 2025. "How Does Digital Trade Affect a Firm’s Green Total Factor Productivity? A Life Cycle Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-27, July.
    3. Jinxiang Zang & Neilson Teruki & Sharon Yong Yee Ong & Yan Wang, 2025. "Does the Digital Transformation of Manufacturing Improve the Technological Innovation Capabilities of Enterprises? Empirical Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-21, March.
    4. Cai, Dong & Ji, Tuo, 2025. "The impact of digital trade barriers and financial development on global value chain participation: an empirical analysis based on Asia-Pacific regional cooperation agreements," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 86(PG).
    5. Nabilah Wafa Mohd Najib & Siti Khalilah Basarud-din & Nurul Khofifah Abdullah & Farahdina Fazial & Nik Safiah Nik Abdullah & Khairul Hafezad Abdullah, 2024. "A Bibliometric Analysis of Digital and the Halal Industry," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 8(11), pages 3133-3141, November.

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