The Impact of the Digital Economy on Urban-Rural Income Disparity: Perspectives from Industrial Structure Upgrading and Rationalization

Amidst accelerating digital transformation, the digital-driven economy emerges as a pivotal force for mitigating urban-rural income inequality and advancing shared prosperity through optimized resource distribution. Leveraging provincial-level panel data across China (20112022) and integrating industrial structure dynamics, this research employs fixed-effect and threshold regression models to dissect the mechanisms linking digitalization to income parity. Key findings reveal that digital economic growth exerts a statistically significant dampening effect on urban-rural income disparities. Notably, under tertiary industry dominance, this relationship demonstrates nonlinear dynamics with progressively diminishing marginal returns. Regional heterogeneity further underscores the need for tailored policy frameworks. Strategic recommendations emphasize interregional synergy cultivation, innovation-driven digital ecosystem development, industrial value-chain upgrading, and institutional safeguards for equitable prosperity.