How Information Infrastructure Construction Drives Rural Inclusive Green Growth in China: The Mediating Role of Labor Mobility

Against the backdrop of China’s digital rural revitalization, this study investigates the impact of information infrastructure construction (IIC) on rural inclusive green growth (RIGG) using panel data from 29 Chinese provinces (2011–2022). The findings demonstrate that IIC significantly promotes RIGG, a conclusion robust to two-way fixed effects, SYS-GMM estimations, and various robustness checks. This positive effect extends to the core dimensions of inclusive growth and green growth. Quantile regression reveals that the marginal effect of IIC is stronger in provinces with initially lower RIGG levels, suggesting its potential to narrow regional development gaps. Heterogeneity analysis further indicates a more pronounced impact in the central region compared to eastern and western regions. Mechanism tests confirm that rural labor mobility (RLM) serves as a critical transmission channel, where IIC fosters RIGG by accelerating labor movement, with this effect exhibiting persistence over time. These findings underscore the importance of regionally tailored IIC strategies to effectively promote sustainable and resilient rural development.