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The Mechanism of Promoting Ecological Resilience Through Digital Inclusive Finance: Empirical Test Based on China’s Provincial Panel Data

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  • Haowen Jin

    (School of Economics and Finance, Hohai University, No. 1915, Hohai Avenue, Changzhou 213200, China)

  • Xingcheng Lu

    (Massey Institute, Nanjing University of Finance & Economics, No. 3 Wenyuan Road, Xianlin University Town, Nanjing 210023, China)

Abstract

In recent years, China’s economic and social development has faced challenges such as urban-rural imbalance and ecological pressure. Digital inclusive finance and ecological resilience have become key concerns in academia and policymaking. This study empirically examines whether digital inclusive finance can enhance ecological resilience and its underlying mechanisms, drawing on quantitative evidence from provincial panel data covering 2011–2020. By providing robust empirical results, it contributes to understanding the role of digital finance in supporting high-quality growth and ecological civilization. While the findings align with national strategies such as the “dual carbon” goal and rural revitalization, the study’s primary contribution lies in advancing interdisciplinary exploration through rigorous evidence rather than solely at the policy level. By constructing a double fixed effects model and panel data from 30 Chinese provinces (2011–2020), the study finds that digital inclusive finance significantly enhances ecological resilience, both directly and indirectly through channels such as environmental regulation, artificial intelligence development, and green credit. Moreover, its ecological impact is moderated by regional economic levels and digital infrastructure, with stronger effects observed in eastern and digitally advanced regions. In summary, this study reveals the mechanisms through which digital inclusive finance promotes ecological resilience, offering a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for policy formulation. Its key contribution lies in systematically analyzing the link between digital inclusive finance and ecological resilience, enriching the theoretical framework and providing data support for policy optimization and financial institutions’ strategic adjustments. Future efforts should focus on strengthening policy coordination to enhance the ecological role of digital finance, promoting financial innovation to support resilience, and advancing regional coordination to narrow the digital divide and achieve shared ecological protection.

Suggested Citation

  • Haowen Jin & Xingcheng Lu, 2025. "The Mechanism of Promoting Ecological Resilience Through Digital Inclusive Finance: Empirical Test Based on China’s Provincial Panel Data," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-24, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:19:p:8776-:d:1761687
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Max Ajl, 2021. "A People’s Green New Deal: Obstacles and Prospects," Agrarian South: Journal of Political Economy, Centre for Agrarian Research and Education for South, vol. 10(2), pages 371-390, August.
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