The impact of the digital economy on rural industrial revitalization

The digital economy significantly influences the development of rural industries in China, playing a vital role in the country's economic and social progress. This study analyzes panel data from 30 Chinese provinces (2011–2021) to explore the digital economy's impact on rural industrial revitalization from a sustainable development perspective. This study finds that the digital economy positively affects rural industrial revitalization, with scientific and technological innovation acting as a positive intermediary. In addition, the impact varies regionally, following a "central > west > east" pattern, with differing effects based on rural employment levels. Furthermore, as scientific and technological innovation capabilities increase, the digital economy's influence on rural industries grows stronger. The digital economy exerts a spatial spillover effect, benefiting local rural industries but negatively impacting neighboring regions' rural industry development. These findings highlight the critical role of the digital economy in the sustainable development and revitalization of rural industries in China.