Harnessing the Digital Economy for Sustainable Agricultural Carbon Productivity: A Path to Green Innovation in China

Fengshu Li, Jian Hou, Hongyang Yu (), Qiuzhen Ren and Yifan Yang
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Fengshu Li: Anhui University
Jian Hou: Henan Agricultural University
Hongyang Yu: Wuhan University
Qiuzhen Ren: Ghent University
Yifan Yang: Anhui University

Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 2025, vol. 16, issue 2, No 45, 7208-7234

Abstract: Abstract The rapid increase in global temperature and the pressing need for climate mitigation have brought agriculture and its carbon emissions into the spotlight, particularly within the context of China’s agricultural development. The present study investigates the convergence of the digital economy (DE), agricultural green technology innovation (GIN), and agricultural carbon productivity (ACP) in China. The study commences by assessing the level of China’s digital economy, with a particular emphasis on the significance of digital infrastructure, technological innovation, and regional development. It identifies a significant threshold effect of agricultural green technology innovation, demonstrating a non-linear relationship between the digital economy and agricultural carbon productivity. Furthermore, this paper elucidates the determinants of agricultural carbon productivity, including human capital, agricultural disasters, urbanization, and fiscal support. It underscores the pivotal role of innovation in low-carbon agricultural technologies for enhancing production efficiency and mitigating carbon emissions. To address the challenges and constraints faced by different regions, tailored governance policies are proposed. Developing countries are encouraged to prioritize green technology research, while advanced countries should strengthen their institutional frameworks and investments in science and technology. Also, the paper underscores the importance of urban planning, meteorological forecasting, agricultural insurance, and infrastructure development in enhancing agricultural carbon productivity. It emphasizes the need to support scientific research talent and encourage industrial capital to finance agricultural technology innovation projects. This research contributes to our comprehension of how the digital economy can be leveraged to advance low-carbon agriculture and promote sustainable agricultural carbon productivity in China, thereby offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders navigating the intricate landscape of agricultural innovation and environmental sustainability.

Keywords: Digital economy; Agricultural carbon productivity; Green technology innovation; Low-carbon agriculture; China (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s13132-024-02158-7

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