Energy saving and emission reduction effects of urban digital economy: technology dividends or structural dividends?

Grain industrial agglomeration and grain green total factor productivity in China: A dynamic spatial durbin econometric analysis

Appropriate industrial agglomeration has several benefits, including reducing environmental pollution, promoting innovation and enhancing grain green total factor productivity (GTFP). It is an effective strategy for promoting high-quality and sustainable development in the grain industry. In this study, the slacks-based measure of the global Malmquist-Luenberger (SBM-GML) model is used to estimate China's grain GTFP using the panel data of 31 provinces from 2001 to 2020. Furthermore, a dynamic spatial econometric model is employed to empirically investigate the impact of grain industry agglomeration on grain GTFP and its regional heterogeneity. The results show that GTFP exhibits a fluctuating growth tendency, with advancements in green technology serving as the primary engine of that expansion. (2) The deepening of grain industrial agglomeration has a long-term promoting effect on the grain GTFP of local and neighbouring areas, with the long-term effect being more significant than the short-term effect, as revealed by the dynamic spatial Durbin model. (3) According to the heterogeneity analysis, industrial agglomeration's impact on grain GTFP is most noticeable in the production and sales balance. Therefore, encouraging regional cooperation and communication while raising the grain industrial agglomeration standard is crucial. The degree of regional economic growth, the state of the agricultural infrastructure and the conditions of the natural resources should all be considered by policymakers when developing distinct and focused policy assistance for each region.

Research on the coupling mechanism and influencing factors of digital economy and green technology innovation in Chinese urban agglomerations

This paper examines the coupling coordination degree between digital economy and green technology innovation in 19 urban agglomerations across China from 2011 to 2020. Through the analysis of the coupling coordination degree model, spatial autocorrelation, multi-distance spatial clustering analysis, kernel density analysis and grey correlation model, this study uncovers the mechanism of coupling between digital economy and green technology in Chinese urban agglomerations. Data analysis revealed a significant increase in the coupling coordination between the digital economy and green technology innovation within urban agglomerations. However, there are noticeable spatial imbalances in this trend. Additionally, the multi-distance spatial distance analysis highlights a shift from a random distribution to a clustered distribution of spatial characteristics. The polarization features vary among each urban agglomeration and exhibit a significant positive spatial correlation. Factors such as economic sustainability, creative talent, policy support, digital impetus, and technological support will affect the coupling mechanism of green technology innovation and the digital economy in China's urban agglomerations. Policy recommendations are proposed to foster the development of the digital economy, promote coordinated growth within and beyond urban clusters, and ultimately build a digital ecological civilization that is both green and intelligent.

Study on the coupling coordination development of China's multidimensional digital economy and industrial carbon emission efficiency

Exploring the coupling coordination between China's digital economy (DE) and industrial carbon emission efficiency (ICEE) is of great significance for achieving sustainable development goals. In the study, a multidimensional indicator system was established to evaluate DE, and spatiotemporal analysis and network analysis methods were used to reveal the dynamic evolution characteristics of DE and ICEE. The coupling coordination model and convergence model were adopted to explore the development trend of coupling coordination between DE and ICEE. The results show that the ICEE and DE in various provinces of China exhibit obvious spatial heterogeneity and spillover effects. Currently, the coupling coordination degree between the development of China's DE and ICEE has reached the level of primary coordination or above. The coupling coordination degree between DE and ICEE in the eastern, central, and northeastern regions has reached an intermediate level or above, with the highest degree in the eastern region. The fluctuation of China's ICEE has consistent σ-convergence and β-convergence, and the convergence effect is higher with the introduction of the DE than without it. The condition β-convergence result indicates that underdeveloped regions can narrow the gap between their ICEE and that of developed regions by utilizing their resource endowments, industrial structure, human capital, and other conditions, improving emission reduction measures and policies. This study provides a certain reference for the green and low-carbon development of industry in China and other developing countries in the digital economy era.

Does the digital economy empower the green development of foreign trade?

The digital economy has become a new driving force for China's economic development in recent years, and it may contribute to solving the corresponding problems of resource and environmental pressure. Therefore, this study strives to explore whether the digital economy contributes to the green development of foreign trade. First, this study measures the digital economy development in China. Second, this study presents a list of environmental and polluting products and examines the impact of digital economy development on exports of representative products based on an extended gravity model. The main findings are as follows. First, the digital economy significantly promotes the green development of foreign trade. Second, the signing of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and the income level of importing countries and regions strengthen the role of the digital economy in promoting the green development of foreign trade. Third, the digital economy promotes the green development of foreign trade through green technological innovation. Finally, some policy implications are proposed based on the findings of this study.

Spatio-temporal evolution of coupling coordination between new infrastructure and regional sustainability in China

To achieve high-quality development, it is crucial to encourage the coordinated development of new infrastructure (NI) and regional sustainability (RS). Based on the coupling mechanism of NI and RS, this study develops a comprehensive evaluation index system, coupling coordination degree model (CCDM), spatial autocorrelation model, and standard deviation ellipse model used to estimate the coupling coordination degree (CCD) of NI-RS in China mainland between 2013 and 2020 and analyze the temporal and spatial evolution characteristic. The results showed the following: (1) The NI index fluctuated and increased, while the RS index increased year by year, showing a gradient-decreasing distribution pattern from east to west; (2) CCD increases year by year, but the spatial distribution is unbalanced, and CCD in eastern coastal areas is significantly higher than that in western areas. (3) The CCD of NI and RS showed a significant spatial positive correlation, showing that the high-value cluster in the east and the low-value cluster in the west. (4) The standard deviation ellipse of the national CCD showed a northeast-southwest distribution, the center of gravity migrated to the southwest, and the spatial clustering characteristics were significant. (5) Finally, the GM (1,1) model indicates a steady increase in CCD from 2021 to 2025. Based on the location distribution and evolution of the CCD between NI and RS in China, corresponding policy suggestions are put forward.

The impact of green accounting on environmental performance: mediating effects of energy efficiency

This study investigates the relationship between green accounting, energy efficiency, and environmental performance in the context of Bangladeshi pharmaceutical and chemical companies. The study also explores the mediating role of energy efficiency in the relationship between green accounting and environmental performance. A total of 326 responses were collected using a simple random sampling technique from pharmaceutical and chemical companies in Bangladesh. The study employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the data. The results indicate that green accounting has a significant positive impact on both energy efficiency and environmental performance. Moreover, energy efficiency partially mediates the relationship between green accounting and environmental performance. The study also found that economic, environmental, and social practices of green accounting positively impact energy efficiency and environmental performance, with environmental practices having the highest impact. The findings of this study provide important insights for managers and policymakers of pharmaceutical and chemical companies in Bangladesh, highlighting the need for green accounting practices that promote environmental sustainability. The study suggests that integrating green accounting practices can lead to better energy efficiency and environmental performance, which can enhance the reputation and competitive advantage of these companies. This study identifies the mediating role of energy efficiency in the relationship between green accounting and environmental performance, providing a unique perspective on the mechanism behind the relationship.