The impact of the digital economy on urban ESG development:A test based on double machine learning
The digital economy has become a vital impetus for the transition of cities towards sustainable development.This paper constructs an urban ESG(Environment,Society,Governance)index system from the perspectives of ecological environment,social life,and industrial governance.Using data from 285 cities between 2011 and 2021,it investigates the evolution characteristics of the spatial pattern of urban ESG development.The study then employs a double machine learning research method to analyze the impact of the digital economy on urban ESG development.The findings are as follows:(1)The distribution pattern of urban ESG development exhibits significant spatial heterogeneity,with the level of development showing dynamic evolution characteristics.However,there is considerable differentiation in the development of urban ESG among the eastern,central,and western regions,with the spatial differences primarily originating from within the regions.It is necessary for regions to enhance internal communication and cooperation,continuously optimize the regional coordinated development system,and establish a new urban governance pattern in the new development era.(2)The double machine learning method confirms that the development of the digital economy will positively enhance the level of urban ESG development,which encompasses ecological environment,social life,and industrial governance.This conclusion has been validated through various robustness tests,including sample exclusion,changing variable measurement methods,sample time-segment testing,and instrumental variable methods.Furthermore,the development of the digital industry and digital innovation capabilities play a prominent role,with industry penetration and digital technology empowerment being important ways in which the digital economy influences sustainable urban development.(3)The division of urban functions and the vitality of innovation and entrepreneurship are important channels for the digital economy to influence urban ESG development,and are crucial pathways to help cities achieve sustainable development goals.From the perspective of spatial heterogeneity,the enhancement of urban ESG levels by the digital economy is more pronounced in the eastern and western regions and urban agglomerations.
digital economyurban ESG developmentimpact mechanismdouble machine learning
NETL
NSTL
万方数据
