Analysis of spatial effect of digital economy on urban-rural integration development

Urban-rural integration is a crucial strategy for achieving rural revitalization and common prosperity, and the rapid development of the digital economy provides effective means for this integration. This paper employs the entropy weight method to measure the levels of digital economy and urban-rural integration based on panel data from 30 provincial-level administrative regions in China from 2013 to 2022. We conduct an analysis of the spatial and temporal evolution of digital economy development and urban-rural integration. The spatial lag model is then used to assess the impact of the digital economy on urban-rural integration and its spatial effects. The results reveal that: 1) The digital economy significantly promotes urban-rural integration; 2) It not only advances local urban-rural integration processes but also generates positive spatial spillover effects on neighboring regions; 3) The impact of the digital economy varies across regions, showing significant effects in eastern and western areas, while the central region does not pass the significance test. Based on these findings, we recommend vigorously advancing the digital economy, utilizing digital tools to accelerate urban-rural integration; fostering technological cooperation and sharing between regions to leverage the radiative effect of the digital economy; and formulating targeted policies for digital economy development tailored to the specific circumstances of each region.