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Research on the Impact of Digital-Real Integration on Logistics Industrial Transformation and Upgrading under Green Economy

Author

Listed:
  • Zhiqiang Liu

    (School of Management Engineering and Business, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China)

  • Yaping Zhao

    (School of Management Engineering and Business, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China)

  • Caiyun Guo

    (School of Management Engineering and Business, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China)

  • Ziwei Xin

    (School of Management Engineering and Business, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China)

Abstract

Digital-real integration and green economy have become an important driving force to propel logistics industrial transformation upgrading and sustainable development. This paper analyzed the impact of digital-real integration on the transformation and upgrading of the logistics industry and the role of green economy from the perspectives of endogenous growth theory, green development theory, and industrial organization theory. Utilizing the panel data spanning 2013 to 2022 from 11 cities in Hebei Province, China, this study established the measurement indicator systems of logistics industrial transformation and upgrading, digital-real integration, and green economy, and measured the integrated developmental level employing an entropy weight–TOPSIS–grey correlation model. Further, the benchmark regression model, moderation effect model, and threshold effect model were applied to delve into the influence mechanism of logistics industrial transformation and upgrading influenced by digital-real integration under the green economy. The research results showed that: Digital-real integration contributed favorably to the transformation and upgrading of the logistics industry. The green economy exerted a beneficial moderating influence on the process, where digital-real integration affected the transformation upgrading of the logistics industry, and the moderating effect of the innovation elements was significantly the strongest. Digital-real integration exhibited a single threshold effect, and the moderating impact of the green economy also had a single threshold condition, and once both thresholds were surpassed, digital-real integration significantly promoted the logistics industrial reformation and upgrading. Drawing from the aforementioned conclusions, this study advanced development recommendations in terms of strengthening regional cooperation, intensifying digital-real integration, exerting the effect of the green economy, and establishing dynamic monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhiqiang Liu & Yaping Zhao & Caiyun Guo & Ziwei Xin, 2024. "Research on the Impact of Digital-Real Integration on Logistics Industrial Transformation and Upgrading under Green Economy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-26, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:14:p:6173-:d:1438484
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    Cited by:

    1. Xu, Zhenhua & Xu, Wenhao & Xin, Daleng, 2025. "Digital–real economy integration and urban low-carbon development in China," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 606-621.
    2. Tao Huang & Haili Xia, 2024. "How Can Digital–Real Economy Integration Affect Urban Green Innovation? Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-25, December.
    3. Wang, Yafei & Shi, Ming & Liu, Junnan & Zhong, Min & Ran, Rong, 2025. "The impact of digital-real integration on energy productivity under a multi-governance framework: The mediating role of AI and embodied technological progress," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 142(C).
    4. Panqian Dai & Chenglin Lu & Jing Xu & Jingjia Zhang, 2025. "A Study on the Impact of Data Elements on Green Total Factor Productivity in China’s Logistics Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-25, September.

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