Digital service trade network characteristics and its impact on low carbon economic development level

As global climate warming increasingly threatens human security and economic stability, promoting low-carbon economic transitions has become critical for sustainable development. Although research examining the digital economy's impact on low-carbon development is abundant, the specific role and mechanisms by which digital service trade networks influence carbon productivity remain unclear. Using complex network analysis and a global dataset spanning 53 countries from 2005 to 2020, this study constructs a digital service trade network to investigate network characteristics—including connectivity strength and degree—and their implications for carbon productivity through an extended STIRPAT model. Empirical results demonstrate that digital service trade significantly enhances carbon productivity by facilitating structural adjustments and technological innovation. Heterogeneity analysis further reveals that the carbon-reduction benefits from digital trade are notably and more potent in developing countries compared to developed ones. ICT and telecommunications exhibit the most significant positive impact on carbon emission reduction among service sectors. Consequently, this paper recommends that countries actively leverage digital trade advantages, mainly through targeted industry support and digital transformation strategies, to promote sustainable, low-carbon economic growth and achieve carbon neutrality goals.