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Research on the Coupling and Coordination Between New-Quality Productivity and Digital Transformation in China’s Provinces

Author

Listed:
  • Debao Dai

    (School of Management, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China)

  • Shali Cao

    (School of Management, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China)

  • Min Zhao

    (SILC Business School, Shanghai University, Shanghai 201800, China)

Abstract

Against the backdrop of the global digital wave and the “dual carbon” goals, the coordinated development of new-quality productivity and digital transformation has emerged as a critical engine for high-quality economic growth. This study constructs an evaluation system for new-quality productivity incorporating 20 indicators, including green innovation and digital infrastructure, and a 17-indicator system for digital transformation. Using the entropy method, modified coupling coordination model, and Dagum Gini coefficient, the spatiotemporal coupling characteristics of 31 provinces in China from 2011 to 2023 are systematically analyzed. The findings reveal a gradient distribution of coupling coordination degree, with higher levels in the East and lower in the West. The Eastern region forms a “technology-ecology” dual-driven model through digital innovation and environmental protection investment, while Central and Western regions face dual constraints of lagging digital infrastructure and insufficient pollution control capacity. Difference decomposition shows that inter-regional disparities contribute 64–70% to overall differences, with green technology innovation and digital infrastructure efficiency identified as core influencing factors. This study proposes a differentiated coordination mechanism of “eastern leadership-central rise-western revitalization”, aiming to promote a sustainable development pattern integrating digital empowerment and ecological protection through improving cross-regional digital infrastructure networks, innovating market-based factor allocation, and establishing green technology sharing platforms.

Suggested Citation

  • Debao Dai & Shali Cao & Min Zhao, 2025. "Research on the Coupling and Coordination Between New-Quality Productivity and Digital Transformation in China’s Provinces," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-35, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:9:p:3806-:d:1640734
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    References listed on IDEAS

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