Research on the Coupled Coordination of the Digital Economy and Environmental Quality

Few studies provide direct evidence that there is a coupling coordination relationship (CCR) between the digital economy and environmental quality. This study tries to fill this gap. Using panel data from 31 provinces in China from 2011 to 2020, we conclude that there is a symbiotic CCR with an increasing degree over time between China’s digital economy and environmental quality and it is more visible in eastern, central than other areas. Further study shows that the regional heterogeneity of coordination is mainly due to inter-group rather than intra-group. The environmental regulations (ERs) play a crucial role in shaping future levels of coupled coordination and the conclusions are robust. Policymakers should simultaneously promote the development of the digital economy, improve the quality of the ecological environment, and pay attention to the inclination of ERs to the western and north-east regions. This analytical framework reveals the complex interaction between the digital economy and environmental quality, while the coupled coordination evaluation system developed here can provide valuable experience for developing countries to open new paths towards high-quality development.