Measuring the unseen: A textual entropy approach to decoding new quality productive forces in China’s digital-green transition

This study pioneers a textual stochastic information framework to quantify New Quality Productive Forces (NQPF) in China’s corporate ecosystem. Our machine learning-enhanced entropy measures construct a multidimensional NQPF index capturing technological innovation, green transition, data asset utilization, and human capital transformation. Empirical analysis reveals significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity in NQPF, with eastern regions and high-tech industries demonstrating leading positions. Compared to conventional productivity metrics, NQPF better captures strategic synergies between digital transformation and green innovation, substantiating its role in China’s high-quality development agenda. The framework provides market-validated metrics while addressing GAAP challenges in measuring digital-green intangibles.