Work

Driving Green Transformation Through the National Digital Economy Innovation Pilot: A Quasi-Experimental Study on Reducing Urban Energy Intensity in 282 Chinese Cities

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Drawing upon a quasi-natural experiment, this research investigates the influence of China’s National Digital Economy Innovation Development Pilot Policy on urban energy intensity. By examining a sample of 282 Chinese cities with the difference in differences (DID) approach, the findings provide robust empirical support for the proposition that digital economy pilot policies substantially reduce urban energy intensity. Furthermore, the policy’s effectiveness in lowering urban energy intensity differs across cities with varying administrative levels and population scales. The results suggest that the policy’s impact is more pronounced in ordinary cities (non-provincial capitals/municipalities) and in those with smaller populations. An examination of the underlying mechanisms reveals three principal pathways through which the policy affects energy consumption: (1) digital economic development, which promotes optimal resource allocation and enhanced energy intensity; (2) technological innovation, driving advances in green technologies and supporting sustainable industrial upgrades; and (3) economic agglomeration, which leverages economies of scale and industrial clustering to bolster energy efficiency. The conclusions underscore the necessity of expanding digital economy pilot zones, strengthening investments in digital infrastructure, and fostering greater technological innovation to sustain improvements in energy efficiency and environmental performance.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su17135687

Authors: Shoufu Lin, Quan Lin, Qian Wang, Chenyong Shi, Marcel Ausloos

Institutions: Fujian Normal University, University of South China, University of Leicester, Babeș-Bolyai University, Bucharest University of Economic Studies

Language: English

Topic: Energy, Environment, Economic Growth

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities, Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896