A Study on the Impact of Digital Economic Development on the Quality of Rural Revitalization

This research explores how the digital economy impacts the quality of rural revitalization at the institutional level. Utilizing panel data spanning from 2011 to 2020 for 30 provincial-level administrative regions in mainland China, the study employs the Entropy Weight-TOPSIS method to assess both the quality of rural revitalization and the index of digital economic development. An empirical analysis is conducted to investigate the relationship between these two factors. The Digital Inclusive Finance Index is obtained from Peking University's Digital Finance Research Center, while additional data is gathered from sources including the 'China Statistical Yearbook,' 'China Rural Statistical Yearbook,' and various provincial and municipal statistical yearbooks. Missing data points are addressed through interpolation methods and information obtained from the websites of respective provincial and municipal statistical bureaus. The findings indicate a significant positive relationship between digital economic development and the quality of rural revitalization, with technological innovation playing a crucial mediating role. Hence, it is essential to recognize the digital economy as a pivotal lever for enhancing the quality of rural revitalization in the contemporary era. This entails expediting the development of rural digital infrastructure, facilitating the transfer and application of digital technological advancements in rural areas.