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Digital Economy, Agricultural Technology Innovation, and Agricultural Green Total Factor Productivity

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  • Yi-feng Zhang
  • Min-xuan Ji
  • Xiu-zhi Zheng

Abstract

The digital economy is integral in driving economic growth, particularly of high-quality standards. Against the backdrop of the “Double Carbon† project, exploring the impact of the digital economy on green agricultural development bears tremendous practical significance. Thus, this study aims to investigate how the digital economy affects agricultural green total factor productivity (GTFP). The entropy-TOPSIS method and SBM-GML index are used to measure core variables quantitatively. In addition, two-way fixed effects panel data models, Tobit, and intermediary effect models are implemented. Three research findings emerge. First, China’s agricultural GTFP level generally experiences an upward trend, and the development of the digital economy has a significant positive effect on increasing agricultural GTFP. Second, the digital economy mainly promotes agricultural technology innovation that boosts agricultural GTFP. Third, Western China experiences a more significant positive effect of the digital economy on agricultural GTFP than Central and Eastern China. Finally, based on the findings, this paper proposes relevant policy recommendations to promote green and sustainable agriculture development.

Suggested Citation

  • Yi-feng Zhang & Min-xuan Ji & Xiu-zhi Zheng, 2023. "Digital Economy, Agricultural Technology Innovation, and Agricultural Green Total Factor Productivity," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(3), pages 21582440231, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:13:y:2023:i:3:p:21582440231194388
    DOI: 10.1177/21582440231194388
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    5. Guo, Jie & Chen, Leqi & Kang, Xia, 2024. "Digital inclusive finance and agricultural green development in China: A panel analysis (2013–2022)," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 69(PA).
    6. Danni Lu & Xinhuan Zhang & Degang Yang & Shubao Zhang, 2025. "What Affects Agricultural Green Total Factor Productivity in China? A Configurational Perspective Based on Dynamic Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-25, January.
    7. Lei Zhan & Xiaoying Huang & Zihao Xu & Zhigang Huang, 2025. "Assessing the Coordination Development Level of Agricultural Economy and Ecology in China: Regional Disparities, Dynamics, and Barriers," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-32, January.
    8. Hu, Yuanhong & Liu, Jing & Zhang, Shuyu & Liu, Yuxin & Xu, Haixin & Liu, Pengling, 2024. "New mechanisms for increasing agricultural total factor productivity: Analysis of the regional effects of the digital economy," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 83(C), pages 766-785.
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