Research on the Impact of Digital Transformation on Industrial Structure Upgrading: An Empirical Analysis based on Panel Data of 31 Provinces in China

Qian Huang; Jing Jiang

doi:10.6981/FEM.202508_6(8).0001

Authors

Qian Huang
Jing Jiang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6981/FEM.202508_6(8).0001

Keywords:

Digital Degree; Industrial Structure Transformation; Empirical Analysis.

Abstract

As the digital economy grows by leaps and bounds, digital transformation has become key motivation for promoting economic transition and upgrading as well as innovative development. In this paper, an empirical model of digital transformation index and degree index of industrial structure upgrading is built for the relationship between digital transformation and industrial structure upgrading in China, based on panel data of 31 provinces in the China's mainland from 2011 to 2022, and the fixed effects model is used for empirical analysis. The results suggest that digital transformation has a significant positive impact on industrial structure upgrading, namely, the higher the degree of digital transformation, the more significant industrial structure upgrading. Research indicates that digital transformation provides sufficient talents, funds, and technological support for innovation in various industries by optimizing business processes and promoting the resource allocation efficiency. Based on this, the government is recommended to introduce supportive policies such as fiscal and tax policies, and is encouraged to increase investment in digital technology and talent development; furthermore, all industrial entities should actively build open and coordinated digital innovative platforms and ecosystems, and promote the deep integration of digital resources and industrial structure transformation. The research in this paper enriches the empirical research on digital transformation and industrial structure, providing theoretical basis and empirical reference for relevant policymaking.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

[1] Hou Shangfa, Zhu Degui. The Digital Economy, Tax Incentive and Upgrading of Industrial Structures [J]. Jianghan Tribune, 2025, (06):5-14.

[2] Li Qingqing. Research on the Impact of Digital Economy on Industrial Structure Upgrading [J]. E-Commerce Letters, 2024, 13 (4): 1739-1747.

[3] Xia Jiechang, Yuan Hang. Digital Economy,Factor Marketization and Industrial Structure Transformation and Upgrading in China [J]. Social Sciences in Guangdong, 2023 (4): 17-27.

[4] Zhang Jingkai, Chen Jun. Research on the Impact of Digital Economy Development on Industrial Structure Upgrading of China's Manufacturing Industry [J]. The Journal of New Industrialization, 2024 (6): 41-52.

[5] Acemoglu D, Restrepo P. Artificial Intelligence and Jobs: Evidence from US Labor Markets. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 2023, 37(2): 3-30.

[6] Farboodi M, Veldkamp L. A Growth Model of the Data Economy. Review of Financial Studies, 2021, 34(5): 2186-2222.

[7] Forman C, Zeebroeck NV. Digital Technology Diffusion and Spatial Divergence. Management Science, 2022, 68(8): 5929-5952.

[8] Lin Yifu. New Structural Economics [M]. Peking University Press, 2012.

[9] Chen Ying, Chen Guang. Research on the Spatial Effect of Digital Transformation on Industrial Structure Upgrade-Empirical Analysis Based on Static and Dynamic Spatial Panel Models [J]. Research on Economics and Management, 2021, 42 (08): 30-51.

[10] Zhang Aiqin, Zhang Haichao. Measurement and Analysis of High-quality Development Level of Manufacturing under the Background of Digital Transformation [J]. Science and Technology Management Research, 2021, 41 (19): 60-67.

[11] Zhang Yanhui. The Impact and Space of Digital Transformation on the Optimization and Upgrading of the Circulation Industry Structure Overflow Effect [J]. Journal of Commercial Economics, 2024 (04): 31-34.

[12] Xu Yingzhi, Zhang Ruijie, Sun Wenyuan. Green Technology Innovation, Factor Market Distortion and Industrial Structure Upgrading [J]. R&D Management, 2021, 33 (06): 75-86.

[13] Zhou Guofu, Chen Hanbin. Analysis on the Threshold Effect of Industrial Structure Upgrading on Urban-rural Income Gap [J]. Statistical Research, 2021, 38 (02): 15-28.

[14] Guo Feng, Wang Jingyi, Wang Fang, et al. Measuring China's Digital Financial Inclusion: Index Compilation and Spatial Characteristics [J]. China Economic Quarterly, 2020, 19 (04): 1401-1418.

[15] Cheng Sainan, Feng Zhen. Research on Impact of Integration of Digital Economy and Real Economy on New Quality Productivity [J]. Journal of Beijing Institute of Technology (Social Sciences Edition), 2024, 26 (06): 15-27.