HOW DOES THE GOVERNMENT PLAY A ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BIG DATA INDUSTRY? BASED ON THE fsQCA RESEARCH OF 31 PROVINCES AND CITIES IN CHINA

Abstract

This study employs fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis to explore factors influencing the development of the big data industry in 31 provinces and municipalities in China. By analyzing eight representative variables across four dimensions—new infrastructure construction, data resources and applications, government services, and resource input—the study aims to uncover configurations and pathways that affect industry growth. The results reveal four effective strategies: combining infrastructure with data application, integrating government services with data application, coupling infrastructure with resource investment, and focusing solely on government services. Core variables such as optical cable length, policy environment, and service environment require governmental intervention to foster development. Therefore, continuous enhancement of new infrastructure construction, supporting the development of small and medium-sized Enterprises in big data, strengthening the big data industry and government service environment, and increasing investments in talent and capital are recommended to drive industry progression.