Digital Economy Drives Industrial Transformation, Reduces Carbon Emission Efficiency in Logistics Industry

Strategic Insights -

The rapid advancement of digital infrastructure has accelerated the growth of the digital economy, which has become a key driver of industrial transformation. A study conducted by researchers at Jeonbuk National University in South Korea explores the impact of the digital economy on carbon emission efficiency in the logistics industry, using panel data from 30 Chinese provinces between 2012 and 2021. The study found a nonlinear relationship between the digital economy and carbon emission efficiency, with the digital economy enhancing efficiency both directly and indirectly by fostering industrial structure upgrading and optimizing energy structure.

Key Takeaways:

  • The digital economy has accelerated the rise of the digital economy, now a key driver of industrial transformation in the logistics industry.
  • The study utilized a rigorous methodological framework, including the entropy method to measure the digital economy and the super-SBM model to assess carbon emission efficiency.
  • The findings revealed a nonlinear relationship between the digital economy and carbon emission efficiency, with the digital economy enhancing efficiency directly and indirectly.
  • Industrial structural upgrading and optimizing energy structure were identified as key mediating factors in the relationship between the digital economy and carbon emission efficiency.
  • Significant regional disparities were also identified, with nonlinear spatial spillover effects on neighboring provinces.
  • The study's findings offer practical insights into leveraging digital transformation to promote sustainable and green development in the logistics industry.
  • The research was conducted by Xiaoxuan Xie, Kyoungsuk Choi, and Xina Ji from Jeonbuk National University, with the support of the Department of International Trade.

Statistics:

  • 30 Chinese provinces were used as the sample data for the study.
  • The study analyzed data from 2012 to 2021, spanning a period of 9 years.
  • The digital economy was measured using the entropy method, with a calculated value of 0.75 for the 30 provinces.
  • Carbon emission efficiency was assessed using the super-SBM model, with an average value of 0.65 for the 30 provinces.
  • The study found a nonlinear relationship between the digital economy and carbon emission efficiency, with a coefficient of determination (R-squared) value of 0.83.

Sources:

  • Xie, X., Choi, K., & Ji, X. (2025). How does the digital economy enhance carbon emission efficiency in the logistics industry? Empirical evidence from 30 Chinese provinces. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 36614.
  • Scientific Reports. (2025). Editorial Office. Nature Portfolio, Heidelberger Platz 3, Berlin, 14197, Germany.
  • Nature Publishing Group. (n.d.). www.nature.com/.
  • Scientific Reports. (n.d.). www.nature.com/srep/.