IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/pal/palcom/v12y2025i1d10.1057_s41599-025-04512-9.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

The impact of digital infrastructure on regional green innovation efficiency through industrial agglomeration and diversification

Author

Listed:
  • Hanyu Zhang

    (Chongqing University)

  • Kaiyue Zhang

    (Chongqing University)

  • Taihua Yan

    (Chongqing University)

  • Xiaonan Cao

    (Chongqing University)

Abstract

This study reveals the spatial impact of digital infrastructure (DI) on regional GIE, introducing two novel perspectives of industrial agglomeration - its concentration (IC) and diversification (ID). The results reveal that local DI significantly improves local GIE but has a “siphon effect” on neighboring areas, leading to an inhibitory effect. Local DI promotes local IC and ID, which enhances local GIE. However, local DI’s spillover effects decrease neighboring areas’ IC and ID, which reduces neighbors’ GIE. The spatial impact of DI on GIE exhibits heterogeneity among different city sizes, regional technological levels, and traditional infrastructure development. As regions’ DI develops, the siphon effect of DI on neighboring GIE gradually diminishes and thus DI promotes long-term GIE. Introducing LE and PE, this study provides rich empirical evidence for understanding the relationship between DI and GIE.

Suggested Citation

  • Hanyu Zhang & Kaiyue Zhang & Taihua Yan & Xiaonan Cao, 2025. "The impact of digital infrastructure on regional green innovation efficiency through industrial agglomeration and diversification," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:12:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-025-04512-9
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-04512-9
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1057/s41599-025-04512-9
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1057/s41599-025-04512-9?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Daron Acemoglu & Philippe Aghion & Rachel Griffith & Fabrizio Zilibotti, 2010. "Vertical Integration and Technology: Theory and Evidence," Journal of the European Economic Association, MIT Press, vol. 8(5), pages 989-1033, September.
    2. Oliver, Matthew E., 2019. "Pricing flexibility under rate-of-return regulation: Effects on network infrastructure investment," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 150-161.
    3. Nina Czernich & Oliver Falck & Tobias Kretschmer & Ludger Woessmann, 2011. "Broadband Infrastructure and Economic Growth," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 121(552), pages 505-532, May.
    4. Martín García Vaquero & Antonio Sánchez-Bayón & José Lominchar, 2021. "European Green Deal and Recovery Plan: Green Jobs, Skills and Wellbeing Economics in Spain," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-20, July.
    5. Xiangyan Wang & Jinye Li & Nannan Wang, 2023. "Are Economic Growth Pressures Inhibiting Green Total Factor Productivity Growth?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-23, March.
    6. Olivier Parent & James P. LeSage, 2008. "Using the variance structure of the conditional autoregressive spatial specification to model knowledge spillovers," Journal of Applied Econometrics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 23(2), pages 235-256.
    7. Zeng, Juying & Škare, Marinko & Lafont, Juan, 2021. "The co-integration identification of green innovation efficiency in Yangtze River Delta region," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 134(C), pages 252-262.
    8. Tian, Xiaohan & Lu, Haiyong, 2023. "Digital infrastructure and cross-regional collaborative innovation in enterprises," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 58(PC).
    9. Andrew B. Bernard & Andreas Moxnes & Yukiko U. Saito, 2019. "Production Networks, Geography, and Firm Performance," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 127(2), pages 639-688.
    10. Paunov, Caroline & Rollo, Valentina, 2016. "Has the Internet Fostered Inclusive Innovation in the Developing World?," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 587-609.
    11. Koutroumpis, Pantelis, 2009. "The economic impact of broadband on growth: A simultaneous approach," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 33(9), pages 471-485, October.
    12. Shane Greenstein, 2020. "The Basic Economics of Internet Infrastructure," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 34(2), pages 192-214, Spring.
    13. Pia Arenius & Viveca Sasi & Mika Gabrielsson, 2005. "Rapid internationalisation enabled by the Internet: The case of a knowledge intensive company," Journal of International Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 3(4), pages 279-290, December.
    14. Ibrahim D. Raheem & Aviral K. Tiwari & Daniel Balsalobre-lorente, 2019. "The Role of ICT and Financial Development on CO2 Emissions and Economic Growth," Working Papers of the African Governance and Development Institute. 19/058, African Governance and Development Institute..
    15. Junjun Tang & Xing Zhao, 2023. "Does the new digital infrastructure improve total factor productivity?," Bulletin of Economic Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 75(4), pages 895-916, October.
    16. Daron Acemoglu & David Autor & David Dorn & Gordon H. Hanson & Brendan Price, 2014. "Return of the Solow Paradox? IT, Productivity, and Employment in US Manufacturing," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 104(5), pages 394-399, May.
    17. Angelo Castaldo & Alessandro Fiorini & Bernardo Maggi, 2018. "Measuring (in a time of crisis) the impact of broadband connections on economic growth: an OECD panel analysis," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 50(8), pages 838-854, February.
    18. Arthur, W. Brian, 2007. "The structure of invention," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(2), pages 274-287, March.
    19. Dian, Jie & Song, Tian & Li, Shenglan, 2024. "Facilitating or inhibiting? Spatial effects of the digital economy affecting urban green technology innovation," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 129(C).
    20. Qihang Xue & Caiquan Bai & Weiwei Xiao, 2022. "Fintech and corporate green technology innovation: Impacts and mechanisms," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 43(8), pages 3898-3914, December.
    21. Song, Wenfei & Han, Xianfeng, 2022. "The bilateral effects of foreign direct investment on green innovation efficiency: Evidence from 30 Chinese provinces," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 261(PB).
    22. Ruiyang Ma & Boqiang Lin, 2023. "Digital infrastructure construction drives green economic transformation: evidence from Chinese cities," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-10, December.
    23. Timothy J. Bartik, 1991. "Who Benefits from State and Local Economic Development Policies?," Books from Upjohn Press, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, number wbsle.
    24. Sun, Jingjing & Zhai, Chenchen & Dong, Xiaoqi & Li, Chengming & Wang, Zeyu & Li, Dandan & Sun, Yongping, 2023. "How does digital infrastructure break the resource curse of cities? Evidence from a quasi-natural experiment in China," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 86(PA).
    25. Li, Xuehui & Xu, Yangyang & Yao, Xin, 2021. "Effects of industrial agglomeration on haze pollution: A Chinese city-level study," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 148(PA).
    26. Yaru Pan & Mu‐Yang Yang, 2024. "Research on the impact of digital infrastructure on the allocation efficiency of green resources in the service industry," American Journal of Economics and Sociology, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 83(1), pages 223-247, January.
    27. Fang, Zhen & Razzaq, Asif & Mohsin, Muhammad & Irfan, Muhammad, 2022. "Spatial spillovers and threshold effects of internet development and entrepreneurship on green innovation efficiency in China," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
    28. Qin, Quande & Yu, Ying & Liu, Yuan & Zhou, Jianqing & Chen, Xiude, 2023. "Industrial agglomeration and energy efficiency: A new perspective from market integration," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 183(C).
    29. Tang, Maogang & Liu, Yinlin & Hu, Fengxia & Wu, Baijun, 2023. "Effect of digital transformation on enterprises' green innovation: Empirical evidence from listed companies in China," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 128(C).
    30. Chengming Li & Meiyu Wen & Shaoxiang Jiang & Huaxing Wang, 2024. "Assessing the effect of urban digital infrastructure on green innovation: mechanism identification and spatial-temporal characteristics," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-14, December.
    31. Li, Chengming & Xu, Yang & Zheng, Hao & Wang, Zeyu & Han, Haiting & Zeng, Liangen, 2023. "Artificial intelligence, resource reallocation, and corporate innovation efficiency: Evidence from China's listed companies," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
    32. Dongdong Lu & Zilong Wang, 2023. "Towards green economic recovery: how to improve green total factor productivity," Economic Change and Restructuring, Springer, vol. 56(5), pages 3163-3185, October.
    33. Laura Alfaro & Maggie X. Chen & Harald Fadinger, 2019. "Spatial Agglomeration and Superstar Firms: Firm-Level Patterns From Europe and U.S," CRC TR 224 Discussion Paper Series crctr224_2019_122, University of Bonn and University of Mannheim, Germany.
    34. Chao Zhang & Xiaojiong Wang, 2019. "The influence of ICT-driven innovation: a comparative study on national innovation efficiency between developed and emerging countries," Behaviour and Information Technology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 38(9), pages 876-886, September.
    35. Tang, Chang & Xu, Yuanyuan & Hao, Yu & Wu, Haitao & Xue, Yan, 2021. "What is the role of telecommunications infrastructure construction in green technology innovation? A firm-level analysis for China," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 103(C).
    36. Feng, Suling & Zhang, Rong & Li, Guoxiang, 2022. "Environmental decentralization, digital finance and green technology innovation," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 70-83.
    37. Ben Lahouel, Béchir & Taleb, Lotfi & Ben Zaied, Younes & Managi, Shunsuke, 2021. "Does ICT change the relationship between total factor productivity and CO2 emissions? Evidence based on a nonlinear model," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 101(C).
    38. Bin Liao & Lin Li, 2023. "Urban green innovation efficiency and its influential factors: the Chinese evidence," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 25(7), pages 6551-6573, July.
    39. Yan, Zheming & Zou, Baoling & Du, Kerui & Li, Ke, 2020. "Do renewable energy technology innovations promote China's green productivity growth? Fresh evidence from partially linear functional-coefficient models," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 90(C).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Shang Chen & Yuanhe Du & Yeye Liu, 2025. "Regional Integration and Urban Green and Low-Carbon Development: A Quasi-Natural Experiment Based on the Expansion of the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-34, April.
    2. Hao Liang & Muttahir Hussain & Amir Iqbal, 2025. "The Dynamic Role of Green Innovation Adoption and Green Technology Adoption in the Digital Economy: The Mediating and Moderating Effects of Creative Enterprise and Financial Capability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-28, April.
    3. Genhua Hu & Xuejian Zhang & Jing Yang & Wenda Sun & Tingting Zhu, 2025. "Uncovering the Mechanism of Elevating High-Tech Export Competitiveness in China’s Sustainable Economic Development: Force of Digital Economy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-32, April.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Tang, Chang & Xue, Yan & Wu, Haitao & Irfan, Muhammad & Hao, Yu, 2022. "How does telecommunications infrastructure affect eco-efficiency? Evidence from a quasi-natural experiment in China," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 69(C).
    2. Wang, Ke-Liang & Sun, Ting-Ting & Xu, Ru-Yu & Miao, Zhuang & Cheng, Yun-He, 2022. "How does internet development promote urban green innovation efficiency? Evidence from China," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 184(C).
    3. Lee, Chien-Chiang & He, Zhi-Wen & Xiao, Fu, 2022. "How does information and communication technology affect renewable energy technology innovation? International evidence," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 200(C), pages 546-557.
    4. Shao, Cuiying & Liu, Zhanyu, 2024. "Advancing green innovation through the establishment of data regulatory bodies: Insights from the Big Data Bureau in China," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 84(C), pages 308-325.
    5. Tang, Chang & Xu, Yuanyuan & Hao, Yu & Wu, Haitao & Xue, Yan, 2021. "What is the role of telecommunications infrastructure construction in green technology innovation? A firm-level analysis for China," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 103(C).
    6. Wang, Qingxi & Hu, An & Tian, Zhihua, 2022. "Digital transformation and electricity consumption: Evidence from the Broadband China pilot policy," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    7. Luo, Yusen & Lu, Zhengnan & Wu, Chao, 2023. "Can internet development accelerate the green innovation efficiency convergence: Evidence from China," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 189(C).
    8. Ren, Siyu & Hao, Yu & Xu, Lu & Wu, Haitao & Ba, Ning, 2021. "Digitalization and energy: How does internet development affect China's energy consumption?," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 98(C).
    9. Abdulqadir, Idris A. & Asongu, Simplice A., 2022. "The asymmetric effect of internet access on economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 44-61.
    10. Hong, Junjie & Shi, Fangyuan & Zheng, Yuhan, 2023. "Does network infrastructure construction reduce energy intensity? Based on the “Broadband China” strategy," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 190(C).
    11. Bertschek, Irene & Niebel, Thomas, 2016. "Mobile and more productive? Firm-level evidence on the productivity effects of mobile internet use," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 40(9), pages 888-898.
    12. Dapeng Liang & Jianjun Liu & Mengting Liu & Jiayin Sun, 2024. "Does information infrastructure and technological infrastructure reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the context of sustainable development? Examining spatial spillover effect," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 32(3), pages 1599-1615, June.
    13. Abdulqadir, Idris & Asongu, Simplice, 2021. "The asymmetric effect of internet access on economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa: Insight from a dynamic panel threshold regression," MPRA Paper 109904, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    14. Di Wang & Wei Dou & Jiajun Ning, 2025. "Can new infrastructure construction facilitate low-carbon energy transition? A quasi-natural experiment based on China’s smart city pilots," Economic Change and Restructuring, Springer, vol. 58(2), pages 1-35, April.
    15. Zhang, Fan & Wang, Feng & Yao, Shujie, 2024. "Does government-driven infrastructure boost green innovation? Evidence of new infrastructure plan in China," Journal of Asian Economics, Elsevier, vol. 95(C).
    16. Zi Hui Yin & Wei Ping Zeng, 2024. "Path to sustainable development: Can industrial intelligence and technological innovation balance economic growth and environmental quality in China?," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 32(5), pages 4486-4504, October.
    17. Xu, Qiong & Zhong, Meirui & Li, Xin, 2022. "How does digitalization affect energy? International evidence," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 107(C).
    18. Ji, Jie & Wang, Ying, 2024. "The impact of digital infrastructure on the geographical supply chain layout of firms —— Evidence from Chinese microdata," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).
    19. Yang Liu & Yaojun Fan & Yifan Wang & Jiayu Huang & Hu Xun, 2024. "City innovation ability and internet infrastructure development: Evidence from the “Broadband China” policy," Bulletin of Economic Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 76(1), pages 121-146, January.
    20. Li, Anjie & Qiu, Junjie, 2024. "Does local government debt promote firm green innovation? Evidence from the Chinese local government debt governance reform," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 84(C), pages 1046-1062.

    More about this item

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:12:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-025-04512-9. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.nature.com/ .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.