Can digital transformation affect coal utilization efficiency in China? Evidence from spatial econometric analyses

The swift development of digital technology in China, coupled with the escalating significance of coal resource utilization in the industrial sector, necessitates an investigation into the role of digital transformation in fostering the sustainable development of coal resources. We utilize the Spatial Dubin Model (SDM) to analyze data from 30 Chinese provinces between 2011 and 2019, exploring the relationship between digital transformation and coal utilization efficiency. Additionally, the research investigates spatial spillover effects and the moderating effect mechanism at play. Key findings reveal that: Firstly, a noteworthy positive correlation exists between digital transformation and coal utilization efficiency. Secondly, digital transformation yields significant positive impacts on proximate cities. Lastly, analysis of moderating effects indicates that digital development policies can enhance the positive association between digital transformation and coal utilization efficiency. These findings furnish novel insights and avenues for regions seeking to propel sustainable development in coal resource utilization. •SBM-DEA model for measuring coal utilization efficiency in 30 provincial-level administrative regions in China.•Entropy method was utilized to measure the degree of digital transformation in 30 provincial-level administrative regions in China.•Investigate the relationship between digital transformation and coal utilization efficiency in China.•Spatial econometric modeling was employed to test the spatial spillover effects of this impact.•Digital development policy levels was used as a moderating mechanism to influence the relationship between digital transformation and coal utilization efficiency.