The convergence effect of digital economy policies on the urban–rural consumption knowledge

The urban–rural consumption gap is a pressing challenge for inclusive and sustainable development. Although the digital economy is widely considered a potential catalyst for convergence, little is known about how integrated digital economy policies translate into measurable consumption equity beyond fragmented interventions in infrastructure or finance. Existing research lacks a systemic framework that can capture multidimensional consumption disparities account for nonlinear policy pathways, and integrate the moderating influence of regional heterogeneity. To address these gaps, this study proposes and empirically tests a novel policy intensity–mechanism transmission–regional adaptation framework. Using provincial panel data from China (2007–2024) and employing two-way fixed effects, mediated moderation, and threshold regression models, we examine how multidimensional digital economy policies affect a composite index of consumption gaps spanning level, structure, and environment. Results indicate a significant convergence effect that is primarily channeled through digital inclusive finance. Notably, this mediation is effective only beyond certain developmental thresholds, highlighting the contingent nature of policy transmission. Moreover, urban–rural human capital differences amplify policy effectiveness, and regional analysis reveals stronger impacts in eastern and more structurally integrated areas. This study contributes to the literature on digital innovation and regional development by introducing a holistic measurement system for assessing consumption disparities; demonstrating the dual threshold-mediating influence of digital finance; and providing a unified framework that explains how, when, and where digital economy policies foster inclusive consumption, with vital insights for designing spatially sensitive and staged policy interventions.