An Analysis of the Spatial–Temporal Evolution and Influencing Factors of the Coupling Coordination Degree Between the Digital and Real Economies in China

Xiaoya Li, Min Zhao, Guang Yang (), Xue Xu and Pengfei Fan
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Xiaoya Li: Business School, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, China
Min Zhao: Business School, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, China
Guang Yang: School of Water Conservancy, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou 450045, China
Xue Xu: Business School, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, China
Pengfei Fan: Jiangsu Agricultural Reclamation and Development Corporation, Nanjing 210019, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 8, 1-27

Abstract: The digital economy (DE) and real economy (RE) are dual pillars of the modern economic system. The deep integration of the digital economy and real economy (IDR) has emerged as a pivotal strategic trend. IDR not only can enhance international competitiveness but also contributes to sustainable development goals. This work collects DE and RE data from 30 provinces in China between 2012 and 2022. The entropy weight method and the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model are employed to measure the level of IDR. Furthermore, the Dagum Gini coefficient, Kernel density estimation, the spatial autocorrelation model, and the geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) model are utilized to analyze the spatial–temporal evolution and influencing factors of CCD. The following conclusions are drawn: (1) During the study period, CCD shows an upward trend, but the value is relatively low. (2) There are significant spatial differences in CCD, and the inter-regional difference is the primary cause. (3) The regional differences in CCD are continuously widening. (4) CCD shows an obvious global spatial agglomeration feature, and the spatial agglomeration degree of CCD has been enhanced from 2012 to 2022. (5) The policy intensity, digital infrastructure, industrial structure, human capital, technological innovation, and market environment have significant impacts on CCD. The obtained findings provide important theoretical support for the coordinated development of DE and RE.

Keywords: integration of digital economy and real economy; coupling coordination degree; influencing factors; Dagum Gini coefficient; kernel density estimation; geographically and temporally weighted regression model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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