IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/jrpoli/v93y2024ics0301420724004161.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

The impact of digital government on natural resource utilization efficiency

Author

Listed:
  • Liu, Xuan
  • Qian, Kaihao
  • Huo, Xuexi
  • Li, Shanhong
  • Wu, Qingyang

Abstract

Governments wield significant influence in the management of natural resources, and the advent of digital transformation offers a fresh impetus for governments to attain efficacious governance. This manuscript delves into the ramifications of digital government on the efficacy of natural resource utilization, drawing on both theoretical and empirical examinations based on panel data encompassing 30 provinces and cities in China spanning the years 2011–2021. The findings corroborate that digital government engenders a noteworthy enhancement in natural resource utilization efficiency, a conclusion that endures even after stringent tests to ensure reliability and account for potential endogeneity factors. Insights garnered from mechanism tests reveal that the augmentation of natural resource utilization efficiency, stemming from digital government, primarily emanates from the amelioration of government services—a discernible hallmark of a responsive government. Concurrently, when the role of efficient markets is considered, it transpires that marketization can positively regulate the impact of digital government, thereby bolstering its favorable effect on the efficient use of natural resources. Heterogeneity analyses disclose that eastern and central regions display a more pronounced positive effect of digital government on natural resource utilization efficiency in comparison to the western region. Furthermore, this effect is discernible in provinces not reliant on resource-based industries, while its manifestation is less conspicuous in provinces reliant on such sectors. Moreover, provinces boasting a robust digital infrastructure exhibit a more sizable positive effect of digital government on natural resource utilization efficiency. The research articulated herein not only enhances our comprehensive comprehension of the crucial role of digital government but also furnishes policymakers with valuable insights conducive to bolstering natural resource utilization efficiency and achieving sustainable economic and social development.

Suggested Citation

  • Liu, Xuan & Qian, Kaihao & Huo, Xuexi & Li, Shanhong & Wu, Qingyang, 2024. "The impact of digital government on natural resource utilization efficiency," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:jrpoli:v:93:y:2024:i:c:s0301420724004161
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2024.105049
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301420724004161
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only

    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.resourpol.2024.105049?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Liu, Fangkun & Liu, Gaoxiang & Wang, Xiaohong & Feng, Yanchao, 2024. "Whether the construction of digital government alleviate resource curse? Empirical evidence from Chinese cities," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 90(C).
    2. Lee, Chien-Chiang & He, Zhi-Wen & Yuan, Zihao, 2023. "A pathway to sustainable development: Digitization and green productivity," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 124(C).
    3. Tian, Ying & Feng, Chao, 2022. "The internal-structural effects of different types of environmental regulations on China's green total-factor productivity," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 113(C).
    4. Waliu Olawale Shittu & Hammed Oluwaseyi Musibau & Sodiq Olaiwola Jimoh, 2022. "The complementary roles of human capital and institutional quality on natural resource - FDI—economic growth Nexus in the MENA region," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 24(6), pages 7936-7957, June.
    5. Aghion, Philippe & Howitt, Peter, 1992. "A Model of Growth through Creative Destruction," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 60(2), pages 323-351, March.
    6. Alberini, Anna & Towe, Charles, 2015. "Information v. energy efficiency incentives: Evidence from residential electricity consumption in Maryland," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 52(S1), pages 30-40.
    7. Liu, Zhen & Li, Ruotong & Cai, Renjie & Lan, Jing, 2023. "A nexus of income inequality and natural resource utilization efficiency: Effect on the road to green economic recovery," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(PA).
    8. Ye, Xiang & Rasoulinezhad, Ehsan, 2023. "Assessment of impacts of green bonds on renewable energy utilization efficiency," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 202(C), pages 626-633.
    9. Romer, Paul M, 1990. "Endogenous Technological Change," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 98(5), pages 71-102, October.
    10. Ullah, Atta & Pinglu, Chen & Ullah, Saif & Qaisar, Zahid Hussain & Qian, Ningyu, 2022. "The dynamic nexus of E-Government, and sustainable development: Moderating role of multi-dimensional regional integration index in Belt and Road partner countries," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
    11. Liang, Jinhao & Razzaq, Asif & Sharif, Arshian & Irfan, Muhammad, 2022. "Revisiting economic and non-economic indicators of natural resources: Analysis of developed economies," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    12. Guan, Jialin & Kirikkaleli, Dervis & Bibi, Ayesha & Zhang, Weike, 2020. "Natural resources rents nexus with financial development in the presence of globalization: Is the “resource curse” exist or myth?," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 66(C).
    13. Barro, Robert J, 1990. "Government Spending in a Simple Model of Endogenous Growth," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 98(5), pages 103-126, October.
    14. Huo, Da & Zhang, Xiaotao & Meng, Shuang & Wu, Gang & Li, Junhang & Di, Ruoqi, 2022. "Green finance and energy efficiency: Dynamic study of the spatial externality of institutional support in a digital economy by using hidden Markov chain," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 116(C).
    15. Zhang, Han & Zheng, Jinhui & Hunjra, Ahmed Imran & Zhao, Shikuan & Bouri, Elie, 2024. "How does urban land use efficiency improve resource and environment carrying capacity?," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    16. Ni, Zehua & Yang, Jingyi & Razzaq, Asif, 2022. "How do natural resources, digitalization, and institutional governance contribute to ecological sustainability through load capacity factors in highly resource-consuming economies?," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    17. Zhao, Linhai & Rasoulinezhad, Ehsan, 2023. "Role of natural resources utilization efficiency in achieving green economic recovery: Evidence from BRICS countries," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    18. Miao, Chenglin & Fang, Debin & Sun, Liyan & Luo, Qiaoling, 2017. "Natural resources utilization efficiency under the influence of green technological innovation," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 153-161.
    19. Sun, Jingjing & Zhai, Chenchen & Dong, Xiaoqi & Li, Chengming & Wang, Zeyu & Li, Dandan & Sun, Yongping, 2023. "How does digital infrastructure break the resource curse of cities? Evidence from a quasi-natural experiment in China," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 86(PA).
    20. Yan, Han, 2024. "How do mineral resources and financial expenditure influence sustainable environment? Exploring the role of social globalization and trade policy uncertainty in China," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 90(C).
    21. Zhang, Yonggang & Dilanchiev, Azer, 2022. "Economic recovery, industrial structure and natural resource utilization efficiency in China: Effect on green economic recovery," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    22. Liu, Nan & Teng, Long & Tian, Wenjuan & Li, Ying, 2023. "Does digitalization enhance fossil fuels resources efficiency?," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(PA).
    23. Ma, Xuewen & Zhang, Dongming, 2023. "Digitalization of the economy for fossil fuels efficiency and carbon neutrality," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 86(PA).
    24. Song, Malin & Xie, Qianjiao & Shen, Zhiyang, 2021. "Impact of green credit on high-efficiency utilization of energy in China considering environmental constraints," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 153(C).
    25. Wang, Lianghu & Shao, Jun, 2023. "Digital economy, entrepreneurship and energy efficiency," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 269(C).
    26. Hunjra, Ahmed Imran & Zhao, Shikuan & Goodell, John W. & Liu, Xiaoqian, 2024. "Digital economy policy and corporate low-carbon innovation: Evidence from a quasi-natural experiment in China," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 60(C).
    27. Broadstock, David C. & Li, Jiajia & Zhang, Dayong, 2016. "Efficiency snakes and energy ladders: A (meta-)frontier demand analysis of electricity consumption efficiency in Chinese households," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 383-396.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Wu, Qingyang & Li, Shanhong, 2024. "Decarbonization by digits: How data factors drive nonlinear sustainable dynamics in manufacturing," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 374(C).

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Xu, Chunguang & Li, Xiaohui, 2023. "The efficiency of natural resource consumption and government administration concerning green economic growth in Asian countries," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).
    2. Liu, Yin & Alnafrah, Ibrahim & Zhou, Yaying, 2024. "A systemic efficiency measurement of resource management and sustainable practices: A network bias-corrected DEA assessment of OECD countries," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 90(C).
    3. Liu, Nan & Teng, Long & Tian, Wenjuan & Li, Ying, 2023. "Does digitalization enhance fossil fuels resources efficiency?," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(PA).
    4. Liao, Haojie & Wei, Yi & Ali, Dr Sher & Uktamov, Khusniddin Fakhriddinovich & Ali, Naveed, 2023. "Natural resources extraction and industrial expansion: Natural resources a curse or blessing for the industrial sector of China?," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(PB).
    5. Zhang, Ming & Du, Panpan & Jiang, Lixia, 2023. "Impact of endogenous power factors and price marketization on agricultural energy efficiency: Based on the use of coal and oil energy in China," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).
    6. Schreiner, Lena & Madlener, Reinhard, 2022. "Investing in power grid infrastructure as a flexibility option: A DSGE assessment for Germany," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 107(C).
    7. van de Klundert, T.C.M.J. & Smulders, J.A., 1991. "Reconstructing growth theory : A survey," Other publications TiSEM 19355c51-17eb-4d5d-aa66-b, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    8. Carine Nourry, 2012. "Dasgupta, D.: Modern growth theory," Journal of Economics, Springer, vol. 105(1), pages 97-100, January.
    9. Camilla Mastromarco & Léopold Simar, 2021. "Latent heterogeneity to evaluate the effect of human capital on world technology frontier," Journal of Productivity Analysis, Springer, vol. 55(2), pages 71-89, April.
    10. I. Hakan Yetkiner, 2006. "Saglik ile Buyume," Ege Academic Review, Ege University Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, vol. 6(2), pages 83-91.
    11. Claude Diebolt & Tapas Mishra & Bazoumana Ouattara & Mamata Parhi, 2010. "Does democratic distance matter for cross-country growth interdependence?," Working Papers 10-12, Association Française de Cliométrie (AFC).
    12. Turnovsky, S., 2000. "Growth in an Open Economy: some Recent Developments," Papers 5, Warwick - Development Economics Research Centre.
    13. Hassan, Mahmoud & Oueslati, Walid & Rousselière, Damien, 2020. "Environmental taxes, reforms and economic growth: an empirical analysis of panel data," Economic Systems, Elsevier, vol. 44(3).
    14. Afonso, Oscar, 2012. "The impact of public goods and services and public R&D on the non-observed economy size, wages inequality and growth," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 29(5), pages 1996-2004.
    15. Justin Yifu Lin & Fan Zhang, 2015. "Sustaining Growth of the People's Republic of China," Asian Development Review, MIT Press, vol. 32(1), pages 31-48, March.
    16. Silvia Bertarelli, 2006. "Public capital and growth," Politica economica, Società editrice il Mulino, issue 3, pages 361-398.
    17. repec:ebl:ecbull:v:2:y:2002:i:1:p:1-15 is not listed on IDEAS
    18. Fedderke, J.W. & Bogetic, Z., 2009. "Infrastructure and Growth in South Africa: Direct and Indirect Productivity Impacts of 19 Infrastructure Measures," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 37(9), pages 1522-1539, September.
    19. Guido Ascari & Valeria di Cosmo, 2005. "Determinants of total factor productivity in the italian Regions," SCIENZE REGIONALI, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2005(2).
    20. Godoi, Lucas Gonçalves & Medeiros, Victor & Teixeira, Evandro Camargos, 2019. "Competitiveness and its determinants: a systemic analysis for developing countries," Revista CEPAL, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL), December.
    21. Talan, Amogh & Rao, Amar & Sharma, Gagan Deep & Apostu, Simona-Andreea & Abbas, Shujaat, 2023. "Transition towards clean energy consumption in G7: Can financial sector, ICT and democracy help?," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:jrpoli:v:93:y:2024:i:c:s0301420724004161. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.elsevier.com/locate/inca/30467 .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.