Share:


Exploration of multiple enhancing pathways of digital economy development of city clusters using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis

    Xuhui Cong Affiliation
    ; Bocong Liu Affiliation
    ; Liang Wang Affiliation
    ; Peikun Su Affiliation
    ; Shenghui Zhang Affiliation
    ; Yijia Liu Affiliation
    ; Leonas Ustinovičius Affiliation
    ; Miroslaw J. Skibniewski Affiliation

Abstract

As a crucial catalyst for worldwide economic expansion, the digital economy (DE) has garnered widespread attention and has been regarded as crucial for the promotion of economic growth and innovation. The development of the DE brings both significant opportunities and challenges to city clusters. It enhances urban competitiveness, improves residents’ quality of life, and strengthens urban governance, which is of great significance for the development of city clusters. In this context, although previous studies comprehensively analyzed the advancement of the DE of certain cities and revealed their strategies, challenges, and successful experiences in the development of their DE, research on the determinants and enhancing pathways of the digital economy development of city clusters (DEDCC) is scant. As the core node of DE development, city clusters, as well as their potential and influence, cannot be ignored. Therefore, this study investigates the Shandong Peninsula Urban Agglomeration in China, constructs a theoretical analysis framework for the DEDCC, and utilizes fsQCA (Fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis) to examine the complex causal processes of the DEDCC. The fsQCA method is utilized from a configurational perspective to explore the complex driving mechanisms of DEDCC. The objective is to investigate the pathways for enhancing DEDCC and provide insights for the DE development of other city clusters. Results reveal the following: (1) the reciprocal collaboration between market factors and fundamental factors should be examined to accelerate the high-quality DEDCC. (2) technological  innovation (TI) capacity is a crucial determinant of the high-quality DEDCC. (3) the coordinated development of the market, the foundation, and TI should be prioritized to achieve the high-quality DEDCC.

Keyword : digital economy, qualitative comparative analysis, enhancing pathway, city cluster

How to Cite
Cong, X., Liu, B., Wang, L., Su, P., Zhang, S., Liu, Y., Ustinovičius, L., & Skibniewski, M. J. (2024). Exploration of multiple enhancing pathways of digital economy development of city clusters using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 30(6), 1769–1804. https://doi.org/10.3846/tede.2024.22436
Published in Issue
Nov 19, 2024
Abstract Views
41
PDF Downloads
27
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

References

Acs, Z. J., Song, A. K., Szerb, L., Audretsch, D. B., & Komlósi, É. (2021). The evolution of the global digital platform economy: 1971–2021. Small Business Economics, 57(4), 1629–1659. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11187-021-00561-x

Akter, S., Uddin, M. R., Sajib, S., Lee, W. J. T., Michael, K., & Hossain, M. A. (2022). Reconceptualizing cybersecurity awareness capability in the data-driven digital economy. Annals of Operations Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-022-04844-8

Ali, M. A., Hoque, M. R., & Alam, K. (2018). An empirical investigation of the relationship between e-government development and the digital economy: The case of Asian countries. Journal of Knowledge Management, 22(5), 1176–1200. https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-10-2017-0477

Aminullah, E., Fizzanty, T., Nawawi, N., Suryanto, J., Pranata, N., Maulana, I., Ariyani, L., Wicaksono, A., Suardi, I., Azis, N. L. L., & Budiatri, A. P. (2022). Interactive components of digital MSMEs ecosystem for inclusive digital economy in Indonesia. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 15, 1–31. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-022-01086-8

Ancillai, C., Sabatini, A., Gatti, M., & Perna, A. (2023). Digital technology and business model innovation: A systematic literature review and future research agenda. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 188, Article 122307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2022.122307

Anttiroiko, A.-V., Laine, M., & Lönnqvist, H. (2020). City as a growth platform: Responses of the cities of Helsinki metropolitan area to global digital economy. Urban Science, 4(4), Article 67. https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci4040067

Ayres, R. U., & Williams, E. (2004). The digital economy: Where do we stand? Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 71(4), 315–339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2003.11.001

Beaumier, G., Kalomeni, K., Campbell-Verduyn, M., Lenglet, M., Natile, S., Papin, M., Rodima-Taylor, D., Silve, A., & Zhang, F. (2020). Global regulations for a digital economy: Between new and old challenges. Global Policy, 11(4), 515–522. https://doi.org/10.1111/1758-5899.12823

Belhadi, A., Kamble, S., Benkhati, I., Gupta, S., & Mangla, S. K. (2023). Does strategic management of digital technologies influence electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) and customer loyalty? Empirical insights from B2B platform economy. Journal of Business Research, 156, Article 113548. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2022.113548

Berker, L. E., & Pollex, J. (2023). Explaining differences in party reactions to the Fridays for Future-movement – A qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) of parties in three European countries. Environmental Politics, 32(5), 755–792. https://doi.org/10.1080/09644016.2022.2127536

Butzin, A., & Flögel, F. (2023). High-tech development for “left behind” places: Lessons-learnt from the Ruhr cybersecurity ecosystem. Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society, 17(2), 307–322. https://doi.org/10.1093/cjres/rsad041

Bullini Orlandi, L., Zardini, A., Rossignoli, C., & Ricciardi, F. (2022). To do or not to do? Technological and social factors affecting vaccine coverage. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 174, Article 121283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2021.121283

Carlsson, B. (2004). The digital economy: What is new and what is not? Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, 15(3), 245–264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.strueco.2004.02.001

Casady, C. B. (2021). Examining the institutional drivers of public-private partnership (PPP) market performance: A fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). Public Management Review, 23(7), 981–1005. https://doi.org/10.1080/14719037.2019.1708439

Cha, H., Kotabe, M., & Wu, J. (2023). Reshaping internationalization strategy and control for global e-commerce and digital transactions: A Hayekian perspective. Management International Review, 63(1), 161–192. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11575-022-00494-x

Charnock, G., & Ribera-Fumaz, R. (2024). What’s talent got to do with it? The collective labourer and the rise of Barcelona’s digital economy. Antipode, 56(2), 400–423. https://doi.org/10.1111/anti.12984

China Research Data Services platform. (2022). https://www.cnrds.com

Che, S., & Wang, J. (2022). Digital economy development and haze pollution: Evidence from China. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(48), 73210–73226. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-20957-w

Chen, H., & Tian, Z. (2022). Environmental uncertainty, resource orchestration and digital transformation: A fuzzy-set QCA approach. Journal of Business Research, 139, 184–193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.09.048

Chen, W. (2023). Digital economy development, corporate social responsibility and low-carbon innovation. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 30(4), 1664–1679. https://doi.org/10.1002/csr.2443

Chen, W., Du, X., Lan, W., Wu, W., & Zhao, M. (2023a). How can digital economy development empower high-quality economic development? Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 29(4), 1168–1194. https://doi.org/10.3846/tede.2023.18784

Chen, Y., Xu, S., Lyulyov, O., & Pimonenko, T. (2023b). China’s digital economy development: Incentives and challenges. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 29(2), 518–538. https://doi.org/10.3846/tede.2022.18018

Cheng, Y., Zhang, Y., Wang, J., & Jiang, J. (2023). The impact of the urban digital economy on China’s carbon intensity: Spatial spillover and mediating effect. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 189, Article 106762. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2022.106762

Cornet, D., Bonnet, J., & Bourdin, S. (2023). Digital entrepreneurship indicator (DEI): An analysis of the case of the greater Paris metropolitan area. The Annals of Regional Science, 71(3), 697–724. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00168-022-01175-1

Dai, S., Su, M., Liu, Y., & Xu, Z. (2023). Digital economy, resource richness, external conflicts, and ecological footprint: Evidence from emerging countries. Resources Policy, 85, Article 103976. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resourpol.2023.103976

Deshpande, V., & Pendem, P. K. (2023). Logistics performance, ratings, and its impact on customer purchasing behavior and sales in e-commerce platforms. Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, 25(3), 827–845. https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2021.1045

Ding, H. (2022). What kinds of countries have better innovation performance? – A country-level fsQCA and NCA study. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 7(4), Article 100215. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jik.2022.100215

Dong, F., Hu, M., Gao, Y., Liu, Y., Zhu, J., & Pan, Y. (2022). How does digital economy affect carbon emissions? Evidence from global 60 countries. Science of the Total Environment, 852, Article 158401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158401

Dong, K., Yang, S., & Wang, J. (2023). How digital economy lead to low-carbon development in China? The case of e-commerce city pilot reform. Journal of Cleaner Production, 391, Article 136177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.136177

Fainshmidt, S., Witt, M. A., Aguilera, R. V., & Verbeke, A. (2020). The contributions of qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) to international business research. Journal of International Business Studies, 51(4), 455–466. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41267-020-00313-1

Fakhimi, M., & Miremadi, I. (2022). The impact of technological and social capabilities on innovation performance: A technological catch-up perspective. Technology in Society, 68, Article 101890. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2022.101890

Fang, C., & Yu, D. (2017). Urban agglomeration: An evolving concept of an emerging phenomenon. Landscape and Urban Planning, 162, 126–136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2017.02.014

Fast, V., Schnurr, D., & Wohlfarth, M. (2023). Regulation of data-driven market power in the digital economy: Business value creation and competitive advantages from big data. Journal of Information Technology, 38(2), 202–229. https://doi.org/10.1177/02683962221114394

Flyverbom, M., Deibert, R., & Matten, D. (2019). The governance of digital technology, big data, and the internet: New roles and responsibilities for business. Business & Society, 58(1), 3–19. https://doi.org/10.1177/0007650317727540

Furr, N., Ozcan, P., & Eisenhardt, K. M. (2022). What is digital transformation? Core tensions facing established companies on the global stage. Global Strategy Journal, 12(4), 595–618. https://doi.org/10.1002/gsj.1442

Geurts, A., & Cepa, K. (2023). Transforming the music industry: How platformization drives business ecosystem envelopment. Long Range Planning, 56(4), Article 102327. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lrp.2023.102327

Gong, C., & Ribiere, V. (2021). Developing a unified definition of digital transformation. Technovation, 102, Article 102217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2020.102217

Guo, B., Wang, Y., Zhang, H., Liang, C., Feng, Y., & Hu, F. (2023). Impact of the digital economy on high-quality urban economic development: Evidence from Chinese cities. Economic Modelling, 120, Article 106194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econmod.2023.106194

Haake, C.-J., & Schneider, M. R. (2023). Playing games with QCA: The Banzhaf index as a context-sensitive measure of explanatory power in international management. Journal of International Management, 30(2), Article 101065. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intman.2023.101065

Hagen, D., Risselada, A., Spierings, B., Weltevreden, J. W. J., & Atzema, O. (2022). Digital marketing activities by Dutch place management partnerships: A resource-based view. Cities, 123, Article 103548. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2021.103548

Hao, X., Li, Y., Ren, S., Wu, H., & Hao, Y. (2023). The role of digitalization on green economic growth: Does industrial structure optimization and green innovation matter? Journal of Environmental Management, 325, Article 116504. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116504

He, Q., Meadows, M., Angwin, D., Gomes, E., & Child, J. (2020). Strategic alliance research in the era of digital transformation: Perspectives on future research. British Journal of Management, 31(3), 589–617. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8551.12406

Hosan, S., Karmaker, S. C., Rahman, M. M., Chapman, A. J., & Saha, B. B. (2022). Dynamic links among the demographic dividend, digitalization, energy intensity and sustainable economic growth: Empirical evidence from emerging economies. Journal of Cleaner Production, 330, Article 129858. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.129858

Huang, Q., Fang, J., Xue, X., & Gao, H. (2023a). Does digital innovation cause better ESG performance? An empirical test of a-listed firms in China. Research in International Business and Finance, 66, Article 102049. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ribaf.2023.102049

Huang, Q., Xu, C., Xue, X., & Zhu, H. (2023b). Can digital innovation improve firm performance: Evidence from digital patents of Chinese listed firms. International Review of Financial Analysis, 89, Article 102810. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.irfa.2023.102810

Huang, Y., Hong, T., & Ma, T. (2020). Urban network externalities, agglomeration economies and urban economic growth. Cities, 107, Article 102882. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2020.102882

Ide, T., & Mello, P. A. (2022). QCA in international relations: A review of strengths, pitfalls, and empirical applications. International Studies Review, 24(1), Article viac008. https://doi.org/10.1093/isr/viac008

Ingrams, A. (2023). Do public comments make a difference in open rulemaking? Insights from information management using machine learning and QCA analysis. Government Information Quarterly, 40(1), Article 101778. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2022.101778

Ionescu, R. V., Zlat, M. L., Antohi, V. M., & Matis, C. D. (2023). Regional digital economy in the Danube Member States under the impact of the new challenges. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 29(2), 382–410. https://doi.org/10.3846/tede.2022.17897

Jin, C., Xu, A., Zhu, Y., & Li, J. (2023). Technology growth in the digital age: Evidence from China. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 187, Article 122221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2022.122221

Ju, C., Liu, H., Xu, A., & Zhang, J. (2023). Green logistics of fossil fuels and E-commerce: Implications for sustainable economic development. Resources Policy, 85, Article 103991. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resourpol.2023.103991

Kache, F., & Seuring, S. (2017). Challenges and opportunities of digital information at the intersection of big data analytics and supply chain management. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 37(1), 10–36. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPM-02-2015-0078

Khan, M., Kumar, R., Aledaily, A. N., Kariri, E., Viriyasitavat, W., Yadav, K., Dhiman, G., Kaur, A., Sharma, A., & Vimal, S. (2024). A systematic survey on implementation of fuzzy regression models for real life applications. Archives of Computational Methods in Engineering, 31(1), 291–311. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11831-023-09978-x

Kurnia, A. A., Rustiadi, E., Fauzi, A., Pravitasari, A. E., & Ženka, J. (2023). Probing regional disparities and their characteristics in a suburb of a global south megacity: The case of Bekasi regency, Jakarta Metropolitan region. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 12(2), Article 32. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi12020032

Lee, J. H., Joo, D., Lee, C.-K., Parkt, Y.-N., & Kwon, Y.-J. (2022). The role of residents’ sustainable intelligence in agricultural heritage site management: Insights from PLS-SEM and Fs/QCA. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 52, 65–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2022.06.004

Li, K., Kim, D. J., Lang, K. R., Kauffman, R. J., & Naldi, M. (2020). How should we understand the digital economy in Asia? Critical assessment and research agenda. Electronic Commerce Research and Applications, 44, Article 101004. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.elerap.2020.101004

Liang, B., He, G., & Wang, Y. (2024). The digital economy, market integration and environmental gains. Global Finance Journal, 60, Article 100956. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gfj.2024.100956

Liang, L., & Li, Y. (2023). How does government support promote digital economy development in China? The mediating role of regional innovation ecosystem resilience. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 188, Article 122328. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2023.122328

Liang, S., & Tan, Q. (2024). Can the digital economy accelerates China’s export technology upgrading? Based on the perspective of export technology complexity. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 199, Article 123052. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2023.123052

Lin, B., & Huang, C. (2023). How will promoting the digital economy affect electricity intensity? Energy Policy, 173, Article 113341. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113341

Liu, J., Chen, Y., & Liang, F. H. (2023a). The effects of digital economy on breakthrough innovations: Evidence from Chinese listed companies. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 196, Article 122866. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2023.122866

Liu, Y., Xie, Y., & Zhong, K. (2023b). Impact of digital economy on urban sustainable development: Evidence from Chinese cities. Sustainable Development, 32(1), 307–324. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.2656

Luo, S., Yimamu, N., Li, Y., Wu, H., Irfan, M., & Hao, Y. (2023). Digitalization and sustainable development: How could digital economy development improve green innovation in China? Business Strategy and the Environment, 32(4), 1847–1871. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.3223

Marti, L., & Puertas, R. (2023). Analysis of European competitiveness based on its innovative capacity and digitalization level. Technology in Society, 72, Article 102206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2023.102206

Marx, A., Rihoux, B., & Ragin, C. (2014). The origins, development, and application of qualitative comparative analysis: The first 25 years. European Political Science Review, 6(1), 115–142. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1755773912000318

National Bureau of Statistics of China. (2012–2022). Statistical yearbook of Chinese cities. China Statistics Press.

National Information Center. (2021). Blue book of digital economy index for Chinese cities. Social Sciences Academic Press.

Øverby, H., Audestad, J. A., & Szalkowski, G. A. (2023). Compartmental market models in the digital economy – Extension of the bass model to complex economic systems. Telecommunications Policy, 47(1), Article 102441. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.telpol.2022.102441

Pan, W., Xie, T., Wang, Z., & Ma, L. (2022). Digital economy: An innovation driver for total factor productivity. Journal of Business Research, 139, 303–311. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.09.061

Pappas, I. O., & Woodside, A. G. (2021). Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA): Guidelines for research practice in information systems and marketing. International Journal of Information Management, 58, Article 102310. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2021.102310

Paschoal, B., & Wegrich, K. (2019). Urban governance innovations in Rio de Janeiro: The political management of digital innovations. Journal of Urban Affairs, 41(1), 117–134. https://doi.org/10.1080/07352166.2017.1310561

Qin, M., Su, C.-W., Qiu, L., & Lobonţ, O.-R. (2023). Are there digital tech bubbles in China? Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 30(3), 603–626. https://doi.org/10.3846/tede.2023.19417

Ragin, C. C. (2008). The comparative method: Moving beyond qualitative and quantitative strategies. University of California Press.

Rehfeld, D., & Terstriep, J. (2019). Regional governance in North Rhine-Westphalia – Lessons for smart specialisation strategies? Innovation: The European Journal of Social Science Research, 32(1), 85–103. https://doi.org/10.1080/13511610.2018.1520629

Ren, S., Li, L., Han, Y., Hao, Y., & Wu, H. (2022). The emerging driving force of inclusive green growth: Does digital economy agglomeration work? Business Strategy and the Environment, 31(4), 1656–1678. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.2975

Riadi, S. S., Heksarini, A., Lestari, D., Maria, S., Zainurossalamia, S., & Yudaruddin, R. (2022). The benefits of e-commerce before and during the COVID-19 pandemic for small enterprises in Indonesia. WSEAS Transactions on Environment and Development, 18, 69–79. https://doi.org/10.37394/232015.2022.18.8

Rodríguez Ruiz, J. G., Rodríguez Armenta, C. E., & Rosas González, E. G. (2024). Influence of ICT and household assets in the penetration of digital economy in Mexico: An empirical analysis. Journal of Telecommunications and the Digital Economy, 12(1), 278–304. https://doi.org/10.18080/jtde.v12n1.876

Santamaria, R., Paolone, F., Cucari, N., & Dezi, L. (2021). Non-financial strategy disclosure and environmental, social and governance score: Insight from a configurational approach. Business Strategy and the Environment, 30(4), 1993–2007. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.2728

Schneider, C. Q., & Rohlfing, I. (2013). Combining QCA and process tracing in set-theoretic multi-method research. Sociological Methods & Research, 42(4), 559–597. https://doi.org/10.1177/0049124113481341

Schneider, C. Q., & Wagemann, C. (2012). Set-theoretic methods for the social sciences: A guide to qualitative comparative analysis. Cambridge University Press.

Shandong Provincial Bureau of Statistics. (2012–2022). Shandong statistical yearbook. Shandong Statistics Press.

Si, S., Hall, J., Suddaby, R., Ahlstrom, D., & Wei, J. (2023). Technology, entrepreneurship, innovation and social change in digital economics. Technovation, 119, Article 102484. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2022.102484

Skare, M., de las Mercedes de Obesso, M., & Ribeiro-Navarrete, S. (2023). Digital transformation and European small and medium enterprises (SMEs): A comparative study using digital economy and society index data. International Journal of Information Management, 68, Article 102594. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2022.102594

Sturgeon, T. J. (2021). Upgrading strategies for the digital economy. Global Strategy Journal, 11(1), 34–57. https://doi.org/10.1002/gsj.1364

Su, D., Fang, X., Wu, Q., & Cao, Y. (2022). Exploring the spatiotemporal integration evolution of the urban agglomeration through city networks. Land, 11(4), Article 574. https://doi.org/10.3390/land11040574

Sun, G., Fang, J., Li, J., & Wang, X. (2024). Research on the impact of the integration of digital economy and real economy on enterprise green innovation. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 200, Article 123097. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2023.123097

Szeles, M. R., & Simionescu, M. (2020). Regional patterns and drivers of the EU digital economy. Social Indicators Research, 150(1), 95–119. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-020-02287-x

Tan, L., Yang, Z., Irfan, M., Ding, C. J., Hu, M., & Hu, J. (2023). Toward low-carbon sustainable development: Exploring the impact of digital economy development and industrial restructuring. Business Strategy and the Environment, 33(3), 2159–2172. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.3584

Teece, D. J. (2018). Profiting from innovation in the digital economy: Enabling technologies, standards, and licensing models in the wireless world. Research Policy, 47(8), 1367–1387. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2017.01.015

Thiem, A. (2014). Unifying configurational comparative methods: Generalized-set qualitative comparative analysis. Sociological Methods & Research, 43(2), 313–337. https://doi.org/10.1177/0049124113500481

Thomann, E., & Maggetti, M. (2020). Designing research with qualitative comparative analysis (QCA): Approaches, challenges, and tools. Sociological Methods & Research, 49(2), 356–386. https://doi.org/10.1177/0049124117729700

Tolstoy, D., Melén Hånell, S., & Özbek, N. (2023). Effectual market creation in the cross-border e-commerce of small-and medium-sized enterprises. International Small Business Journal, 41(1), 35–54. https://doi.org/10.1177/02662426211072999

Trischler, M. F. G., & Li-Ying, J. (2023). Digital business model innovation: Toward construct clarity and future research directions. Review of Managerial Science, 17(1), 3–32. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11846-021-00508-2

Veri, F. (2020). Fuzzy multiple attribute conditions in fsQCA: Problems and solutions. Sociological Methods & Research, 49(2), 312–355. https://doi.org/10.1177/0049124117729693

Wahome, M., & Graham, M. (2020). Spatially shaped imaginaries of the digital economy. Information, Communication & Society, 23(8), 1123–1138. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118X.2019.1701696

Wan, Q., Tang, S., & Jiang, Z. (2023). Does the development of digital technology contribute to the innovation performance of China’s high-tech industry? Technovation, 124, Article 102738. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2023.102738

Wang, H., Zheng, L. J., Zhang, J. Z., Kumar, A., & Srivastava, P. R. (2024a). Unpacking complementarity in innovation ecosystems: A configurational analysis of knowledge transfer for achieving breakthrough innovation. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 198, Article 122974. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2023.122974

Wang, J., Zhang, J., Cifuentes-Faura, J., Crenguta Ileana, S., & Zhao, X. (2024b). Exploring factors influencing the digital economy: Uncovering the relationship structure to improve sustainability in China. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 30(2), 441–463. https://doi.org/10.3846/tede.2024.20600

Wang, Y., Xu, J., Liu, J., & Li, Y. (2024c). Turning pressure into power: The configuration effect of antecedents on the digital transformation of engineering enterprises. Journal of Management in Engineering, 40(1), Article 04023059. https://doi.org/10.1061/JMENEA.MEENG-5636

Wang, L., & Shao, J. (2023). Digital economy, entrepreneurship and energy efficiency. Energy, 269, Article 126801. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2023.126801

Wang, J., Wang, B., Dong, K., & Dong, X. (2022a). How does the digital economy improve high-quality energy development? The case of China. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 184, Article 121960. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2022.121960

Wang, Y., Yin, S., Fang, X., & Chen, W. (2022b). Interaction of economic agglomeration, energy conservation and emission reduction: Evidence from three major urban agglomerations in China. Energy, 241, Article 122519. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2021.122519

Watanabe, C., Naveed, K., Tou, Y., & Neittaanmäki, P. (2018). Measuring GDP in the digital economy: Increasing dependence on uncaptured GDP. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 137, 226–240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2018.07.053

Wu, L., Sun, L., Chang, Q., Zhang, D., & Qi, P. (2022). How do digitalization capabilities enable open innovation in manufacturing enterprises? A multiple case study based on resource integration perspective. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 184, Article 122019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2022.122019

Wu, W., Wang, S., Jiang, X., & Zhou, J. (2023). Regional digital infrastructure, enterprise digital transformation and entrepreneurial orientation: Empirical evidence based on the broadband China strategy. Information Processing & Management, 60(5), Article 103419. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ipm.2023.103419

Xia, L., Baghaie, S., & Mohammad Sajadi, S. (2024). The digital economy: Challenges and opportunities in the new era of technology and electronic communications. Ain Shams Engineering Journal, 15(2), Article 102411. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asej.2023.102411

Xiao, Q., Gao, M., Chen, L., & Jiang, J. (2023). Dynamic multi-attribute evaluation of digital economy development in China: A perspective from interaction effect. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 29(6), 1728–1752. https://doi.org/10.3846/tede.2023.20258

Xiao, X., Liu, C., & Li, S. (2024). How the digital infrastructure construction affects urban carbon emissions – A quasi-natural experiment from the “Broadband China” policy. Science of The Total Environment, 912, Article 169284. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169284

Xing, Z., Huang, J., & Wang, J. (2023). Unleashing the potential: Exploring the nexus between low-carbon digital economy and regional economic-social development in China. Journal of Cleaner Production, 413, Article 137552. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.137552

Xue, Y., Tang, C., Wu, H., Liu, J., & Hao, Y. (2022). The emerging driving force of energy consumption in China: Does digital economy development matter? Energy Policy, 165, Article 112997. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2022.112997

Yan, S., Chen, H., Quan, Q., & Liu, J. (2023). Evolution and coupled matching of ecosystem service supply and demand at different spatial scales in the Shandong Peninsula urban agglomeration, China. Ecological Indicators, 155, Article 111052. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2023.111052

Yang, H., Li, L., & Liu, Y. (2022). The effect of manufacturing intelligence on green innovation performance in China. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 178, Article 121569. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2022.121569

Yang, L., Ma, Z., & Xu, Y. (2023). How does the digital economy affect ecological well-being performance? Evidence from three major urban agglomerations in China. Ecological Indicators, 157, Article 111261. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2023.111261

Ye, M., & Zeng, W. (2024). Government innovation preferences, institutional fragility, and digital economic development. Economic Analysis and Policy, 81, 541–555. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eap.2023.12.023

Yi, J., Dai, S., Li, L., & Cheng, J. (2024). How does digital economy development affect renewable energy innovation? Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 192, Article 114221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2023.114221

Yi, M., Liu, Y., Sheng, M. S., & Wen, L. (2022). Effects of digital economy on carbon emission reduction: New evidence from China. Energy Policy, 171, Article 113271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113271

Yuan, S., Musibau, H. O., Genç, S. Y., Shaheen, R., Ameen, A., & Tan, Z. (2021). Digitalization of economy is the key factor behind fourth industrial revolution: How G7 countries are overcoming with the financing issues? Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 165, Article 120533. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2020.120533

Yüksel, S., & Dinçer, H. (2023). Sustainability analysis of digital transformation and circular industrialization with quantum spherical fuzzy modeling and golden cuts. Applied Soft Computing, 138, Article 110192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asoc.2023.110192

Zhai, S., Xia, L., Chi, M., & Li, X. (2024). Configurational determinants of time-to-win in NSFC youth program funding: Insights from Chinese library and information science. Information Processing & Management, 61(3), Article 103649. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ipm.2024.103649

Zhang, J., Zhao, W., Cheng, B., Li, A., Wang, Y., Yang, N., & Tian, Y. (2022). The impact of digital economy on the economic growth and the development strategies in the post-COVID-19 era: Evidence from countries along the “Belt and Road.” Frontiers in Public Health, 10, Article 856142. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.856142

Zhao, H., Chen, S., & Zhang, W. (2023). Does digital inclusive finance affect urban carbon emission intensity: Evidence from 285 cities in China. Cities, 142, Article 104552. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2023.104552

Zhao, Y., Liang, Y., Yao, C., & Han, X. (2022). Key factors and generation mechanisms of open government data performance: A mixed methods study in the case of China. Government Information Quarterly, 39(4), Article 101717. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2022.101717

Zhong, X., Duan, Z., Liu, C., & Chen, W. (2024). Research on the coupling mechanism and influencing factors of digital economy and green technology innovation in Chinese urban agglomerations. Scientific Reports, 14(1), Article 5150. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-55854-4

Zhou, Q. (2023). Research on the impact of digital economy on rural consumption upgrading: Evidence from China family panel studies. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 29(5), 1461–1476. https://doi.org/10.3846/tede.2023.19511

Zhou, X., Song, M., & Cui, L. (2020). Driving force for China’s economic development under Industry 4.0 and circular economy: Technological innovation or structural change? Journal of Cleaner Production, 271, Article 122680. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.122680

Zhu, J., Zhang, J., Jiang, Z., & Li, J. (2023a). Configurations for emerging market firms to achieve a high-level servitization strategy: Evidence from Chinese manufacturing firms. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, 34(8), 1506–1526. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-02-2023-0046

Zhu, Z.-Y., Xie, H.-M., & Chen, L. (2023b). ICT industry innovation: Knowledge structure and research agenda. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 189, Article 122361. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2023.122361

Zhu, W., & Chen, J. (2022). The spatial analysis of digital economy and urban development: A case study in Hangzhou, China. Cities, 123, Article 103563. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2022.103563