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Research on the Role Mechanism and Path of Digital Technology Empowering Farmers’ Common Prosperity

Author

Listed:
  • Cunjing Liu

    (School of Economics and Management, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, China)

  • Ying Dong

    (School of Economics, Jinming Campus, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China)

  • Huiai Yuan

    (School of Economics and Management, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, China)

  • Yuen Cai

    (School of Economics and Management, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, China)

  • Zhezhou Li

    (School of Economics and Management, Fuzhou University of International Studies and Trade, Fuzhou 350202, China)

  • Banglu He

    (School of Economics and Management, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, China)

Abstract

Achieving common prosperity for farmers represent a key objective of rural revitalization and plays a crucial role in narrowing the urban–rural divide and advancing high-quality agricultural development. As a catalyst of modern development, digital technology fosters agricultural and rural progress, contributing significantly to the realization of farmers’ common prosperity. Using panel data from 30 Chinese provinces spanning 2012 to 2023, this study constructs econometric models to examine the direct, indirect, and nonlinear effects of digital technology on farmers’ common prosperity. Heterogeneity is also analyzed, endogeneity is addressed, and robustness tests are conducted. The results indicate that digital technology significantly enhances farmers’ common prosperity by 1%. This effect remains robust and displays both regional and dimensional heterogeneity. Additionally, digital technology indirectly fosters common prosperity by increasing farmers’ income and decreasing the urban–rural income gap, exhibiting a double-threshold nonlinear relationship. Policy recommendations include enhancing digital technology support, improving farmers’ digital literacy, and expanding income channels.

Suggested Citation

  • Cunjing Liu & Ying Dong & Huiai Yuan & Yuen Cai & Zhezhou Li & Banglu He, 2025. "Research on the Role Mechanism and Path of Digital Technology Empowering Farmers’ Common Prosperity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-24, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:18:p:8346-:d:1751631
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    2. Shu Wang & Yueling Yang & Heyao Yin & Jianya Zhao & Ting Wang & Xiaomei Yang & Jing Ren & Changbin Yin, 2025. "Towards Digital Transformation of Agriculture for Sustainable Development in China: Experience and Lessons Learned," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-29, April.
    3. Satish Nambisan, 2017. "Digital Entrepreneurship: Toward a Digital Technology Perspective of Entrepreneurship," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 41(6), pages 1029-1055, November.
    4. Li, Fanghua & Zang, Dungang & Chandio, Abbas Ali & Yang, Dongmei & Jiang, Yuansheng, 2023. "Farmers' adoption of digital technology and agricultural entrepreneurial willingness: Evidence from China," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 73(C).
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