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Assessing the impact of digitalization on environmental efficiency: Do population factors and institutional factors Matter?

Author

Listed:
  • Xiaoli Hao

    (Center for Innovation Management Research, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830047, China)

  • Yuhong Li

    (School of Economics and Finance, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China)

  • Shufang Wen

    (Center for Innovation Management Research, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830047, China)

  • Lulu Zhang

    (College of Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China)

Abstract

The digital transformation provides an opportunity for the development of a green and low-carbon economy. This study used panel data collected from 30 Chinese provinces between 2011 and 2018, and assessed the impact of digitization (Dig) on environmental efficiency (EE). Quantile regression is employed to scrutinize the evolution of the marginal effect. From the perspectives of population and institutional factors, this study empirically investigates nonlinear relationships and potential mechanisms using Hansen threshold and mediation models. The findings reveal several key insights. Overall, levels of digitization and environmental efficiency (EE) are increasing with regional dispersion expansion, indicating a “polarization” characteristic. The impact of digitization on EE exhibits noticeable stage and regional heterogeneity. Analysis of population factors reveals that population structure, population size, and human capital trigger a sharp “marginal increase” of positive effects with single thresholds of 0.8155, 7.2284, and 11.0497, respectively. Analysis of institutional factors highlights the significance of fiscal policy quality (tax proportion), education expenditure, and tax system structure as important intermediaries. Finally, this paper presents corresponding policy implications.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaoli Hao & Yuhong Li & Shufang Wen & Lulu Zhang, 2024. "Assessing the impact of digitalization on environmental efficiency: Do population factors and institutional factors Matter?," Journal of Information Economics, Anser Press, vol. 2(1), pages 80-101, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bba:j00008:v:2:y:2024:i:1:p:80-101:d:327
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    References listed on IDEAS

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