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The impact of market integration on the digital divide: An analysis based on the heterogeneous effect of innovation resource synergy

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Jan 30, 2024 version files 180.27 KB

Abstract

Resource market reforms have provided opportunities for reducing the digital divide (DD). In this study, we analyzed the theoretical mechanism of the impact of market integration (MI) on DD and the intermediary role of innovation resource (IR) synergy. Data from 271 cities in China were collected, and the DEA–Malmquist index and Thiel index were utilized to quantify DD among these cities during 2011–2019. The intermediary effect and SDM models were adopted for an empirical analysis. The results showed that (1) MI had a negative effect on DD in addition to significant spatial spillover effects. MI widened DD in the local city but narrowed the same in the adjacent cities. (2) IR synergy exerted positive intermediary effects, which were heterogeneous. Through human resource synergy, MI narrowed DD, through knowledge synergy, MI widened DD, and through the R&D capital synergy, MI did not significantly influence DD. (3) There was no significant spatial spillover effect of the intermediary role of IR synergy.