Digital economy and international competitiveness of manufacturing industry: A study on the moderating effect based on education level

This study utilizes data from a provincial panel comprising 31 provinces in China spanning the period from 2011 to 2021. Fixed-effect and random-effect models are employed to investigate the impact of the digital economy on international competitiveness within the manufacturing sector, along with its underlying mechanisms. Additionally, this study examines how educational attainment within the digital economy regulates and enhances promotion of international competitiveness in manufacturing industries. The findings reveal that there is a positive linear relationship between digitization and enhanced international competitiveness in manufacturing industries. Moreover, educational level plays a positive moderating role in facilitating this enhancement brought about by digitization. An increase in educational level leads to greater promotion of international competitiveness through digitization within manufacturing industries. Furthermore, regional heterogeneity reveals that higher levels of education amplify the moderating effect of education on promoting international competitiveness through digitization within these industries. Therefore, regional education has become crucial for fostering international competitiveness in these sectors. The government needs to increase investment in education, upgrade the quality of education, and develop the skilled and innovative talent needed for manufacturing through a strategic and multi-dimensional approach.