Regional Disparities and Spatiotemporal Evolution of Data Element Development in China’s Eight Comprehensive Economic Regions

The uneven spatial distribution of data elements poses challenges to regional equity and sustainable development. To unmask spatial dynamics obscured by traditional macro-divisions, this study evaluates data element development across China’s Eight Comprehensive Economic Regions from 2013 to 2022. Using the entropy weight method, Dagum Gini coefficient, Kernel Density Estimation, and spatial autocorrelation models, the results indicate that while the overall development index exhibits a sustained upward trend, inter-regional differences remain the dominant source of spatial inequality. This disparity is primarily driven by the persistent gap between advanced coastal and lagging inland regions. Notably, spatial trajectories diverge significantly: the Eastern Coastal region exhibits coordinated integration, whereas severe internal polarization appears in the Middle Reaches of the Yellow River and the Southwest. Furthermore, the spatial spillover of data elements remains bounded by physical geography. By highlighting these meso-level structural fault lines, this study provides precise empirical evidence for formulating targeted, basin-specific interventions to bridge the digital divide.