Does digital technology promote ecological civilization construction?Evidence from China

Abstract

Abstract With the rapid growth of digital technology, understanding its impact on ecological civilization construction (ECC) is essential. This study measures the level of digital technology and ECC in 31 provinces of China, from 2011 to 2022. Using a two-way fixed effect model, threshold effect model, and spatial spillover effect model, this study explores the impact of digital technology on ECC. The main research conclusions include: (1) Digital technology can significantly promote ECC. After robustness and endogeneity tests, this conclusion still holds. (2) Regional heterogeneity exists in the promotion effect of digital technology on ECC, manifested as western > central > eastern. (3) The promotion effect of digital technology on ECC is non-linear. When the level of digital technology exceeds a certain threshold, its promotion effect on ECC will be weakened. (4) Digital technology not only promotes ECC in the studied locality but also has a positive spatial spillover effect on ECC in adjacent geographical regions. Based on the above research conclusions, this study identifies some policy implications.