Research on the Impact Mechanism and Spatial Effects of Digital Technology Empowering Rural Revitalization

With the rapid development of the digital economy, digital technologies have become a key driver of rural revitalization. To systematically analyze the enabling mechanisms of digital technology for rural revitalization, this study utilizes panel data from 30 Chinese provinces spanning 2014–2023. It measures digital technology levels through the number of digital economy-related invention patents granted annually, constructs a comprehensive evaluation index system for rural revitalization, and employs fixed-effects models, mediation models, and spatial Durbin models to explore the direct impact, indirect effects, and spatial effects of digital technology on rural revitalization. The findings reveal that the following: (1) Digital technology significantly empowers the rural revitalization strategy, effectively promoting the comprehensive and sustainable development of the economic, social, and cultural sectors in rural areas. (2) Digital technology exerts partial mediating effects through cultural industry development and higher education advancement, thereby indirectly supporting sustainable rural revitalization. (3) At the spatial level, digital technology exhibits a significant positive spatial spillover effect on rural revitalization overall. Further regional analysis reveals positive spatial spillover effects in the eastern and central regions, whereas the western and northeastern areas exhibit negative spatial spillover. The study concludes that optimizing the spatial layout and promoting coordinated development of digital technologies across areas should be tailored to local conditions. Strengthening cultural industries and educational systems is essential to fully harness the enabling potential of digital technologies for rural revitalization and to construct a rural revitalization path characterized by regional coordination and multidimensional sustainability across the economy, society, and environment.