Research on the impact and mechanisms of digital-real integration on total factorproductivity in coal resource-based regions

FENG Lu; MAO Meiqi

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1002-9605.2025.11.015

Abstract：The deep integration of the digital economy and the real economy serves as a critical driver for high-quality development in coal resource-based regions.Investigating the synergistic effects between the digital economy and industrial development,as well as their combined impact on regional total factor productivity(TFP),provides valuable insights for optimizing regional transition planning and policies.This study employs the entropy weight method and a coupling coordination model to analyze the co-evolutionary characteristics of the digital economy and industrial development across 35 coal resource-based regions in China.Additionally,a two-way fixed effects model and threshold effect model are used to empirically examine the influence of their synergistic development on regional TFP.The findings reveal that:① From 2012 to 2021,the coupling coordination level between the digital economy and industrial development in these regions consistently improved,with an increasing number of areas transitioning from imbalanced to coordinated states,reflecting gradual structural optimization.② Their synergistic development significantly enhances regional TFP,particularly in growth-oriented and regenerative cities,eastern/central/northeastern regions,and large cities.③ The coordination between the digital economy and industrial development in coal resource-based regions boosts regional TFP by elevating urban innovation capacity,human capital levels,and ecological environment quality.These results help elucidate the impact and underlying mechanisms of digital-real integration on TFP growth in coal resource-based regions,offering theoretical foundations and practical guidance for regional transition strategies.