Study on Spatial Differentiation of Digital Economy and It’s Driving Factors in China: Based on Geodetector

The imbalance in the development of the digital economy hinders the effective formation of economies of scale and synergies, thereby constraining the high-quality growth of China’s overall economy. This study employs panel data from 31 Chinese provinces spanning 2013 to 2021, using exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) and the Geodetector to investigate the spatial differentiation characteristics and driving factors of China’s digital economy. The findings reveal a gradient pattern of digital economy development, decreasing from east to central, west, and northeast China, with high-value clusters concentrated and spatially locked in the eastern region. Analysis of the gravity center and standard deviation ellipse indicates a spatial distribution dynamic of “longitudinal clustering and lateral expansion”, with a significant “westward migration” of the gravity center. Spatial disparities are driven by both inter-regional and intra-regional differences, with discrepancies between the eastern region and the other three regions being the primary source of spatial variation. The Geodetector analysis identifies human capital, foreign direct investment, and R&D expenditure as the main factors contributing to the spatial-temporal differentiation of China’s digital economy. Last, the study offers policy recommendations regarding infrastructure, resource allocation, and institutional mechanisms to promote balanced development of the digital economy in China.