Urbanization, Digital–Intelligent Integration, and Carbon Productivity: Spatiotemporal Dynamics in the Middle Reaches Urban Agglomeration of the Yellow River

This study investigates the interaction between digital–intelligent integration and carbon productivity in 23 prefecture-level cities across the middle reaches of the Yellow River from 2013 to 2022, focusing on a resource-dependent region transitioning towards low-carbon development. The aim is to examine how digital technologies contribute to improving carbon productivity and reducing environmental pollution. An entropy-weighted index system was used to assess digital–intelligent transformation and carbon productivity. A coupling coordination model was applied to measure their joint performance, with spatial autocorrelation and spillover analyses used to detect regional patterns and intercity linkages. Data were sourced from official yearbooks, environmental bulletins, and urban big-data platforms. The results show a steady improvement in coordination between digital–intelligent integration and carbon productivity, with significant progress in 2018 and 2020 following national policy initiatives. Core cities showed higher coordination and generated positive spillovers, while peripheral cities lagged, resulting in noticeable spatial agglomeration. These findings highlight the growing coupling between digital–intelligent development and carbon productivity, reinforced by policy initiatives but accompanied by regional disparities. This study suggests that policies should focus on enhancing data infrastructure in core cities, improving regional cooperation, and bridging gaps in peripheral areas. It offers insights into the role of digital technologies in achieving low-carbon development in resource-dependent urban regions.