The driving effect of digital economy on interregional collaborative governance of carbon reduction: A case study of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region

Abstract

Interregional collaborative governance of carbon reduction (ICGCR) is essential for achieving carbon neutrality and fostering sustainable development. The digital economy plays a crucial role in advancing the ‘dual-carbon’ goal and fostering green, low-carbon, sustainable development amid the new information technology revolution. Nevertheless, empirical evidence on how the digital economy enhances the ICGCR remains limited. This study, based on urban behavioral choice theory, develops an indicator system for ICGCR, using the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region to explore the digital economy's impact on the ICGCR. It considers both internal and external influence paths and regulatory mechanisms from industrial and financial perspectives. Results indicate that the digital economy significantly enhances the ICGCR, particularly in passive ICGCR, the conclusion remains valid after robustness testing. The impact of the digital economy on the ICGCR varies significantly, with different pathways yielding distinct effects, influenced by industrial structure upgrades and financial development levels. This study enhances theoretical framework for the ICGCR, broadens research on the digital economy's impact on emissions, and offers valuable insights for promoting green, low-carbon sustainable development in a digital context.