Analysis of the Spatial Pattern and Influencing Factors of the Coupled and Coordinated Development of Digital Infrastructure and Public Employment Service Efficiency

Although the role of digital infrastructure as an engine for the sustainable development of public services has been widely investigated, systematic and dynamic analysis of the coupling and coordination mechanisms between digital infrastructure and public employment service efficiency is lacking. On the basis of Chinese provincial panel data from 2012 to 2023, the coupling coordination degree model, Dagum’s Gini coefficient, Markov chain, and Tobit model are used to measure the coupling coordination degree of digital infrastructure and public employment service efficiency, analyze its spatial pattern, and explore its influencing factors. The results of this study reveal that (1) The coupled and coordinated development trend of digital infrastructure and public employment service efficiency has improved from “mild imbalance recession” to “near imbalance recession”. (2) The spatial difference in the coupling coordination degree is characterized by slow expansion but overall stabilization, and the spatial transfer state remains relatively stable. (3) Economic development, industrial structure, trade openness, and technological development increase the coupling coordination degree, whereas urbanization, the urban–rural income gap, and government intervention hinder it. This study not only expands the theoretical boundaries of digital governance research and overcomes the theoretical limitations of traditional public employment service research but also has substantial practical importance for promoting social equity, inclusive growth, and economic sustainability.