Spatial linkage and integrated driving pathways of high-quality rural e-commerce development in the context of digital villages in China

This study investigates the high-quality development of rural e-commerce in China, focusing on its role in bridging the urban-rural divide and supporting rural revitalization in the context of digital village initiatives. Using data from 31 provinces (2018–2022), we assess the development levels, sp...

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Main Authors: Liu Fei, Wen Bo, Wang Xue, Wang Yanan, Wang Xiaoxi, Shang Dan, Hou Liang, Zhang Donghui
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-05-01
Series:Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2025.1557395/full
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author Liu Fei
Wen Bo
Wang Xue
Wang Yanan
Wang Xiaoxi
Shang Dan
Hou Liang
Zhang Donghui
author_facet Liu Fei
Wen Bo
Wang Xue
Wang Yanan
Wang Xiaoxi
Shang Dan
Hou Liang
Zhang Donghui
author_sort Liu Fei
collection DOAJ
description This study investigates the high-quality development of rural e-commerce in China, focusing on its role in bridging the urban-rural divide and supporting rural revitalization in the context of digital village initiatives. Using data from 31 provinces (2018–2022), we assess the development levels, spatial linkages, and key drivers of rural e-commerce. Employing a combination of game-theoretic weighting, a modified gravity model, social network analysis, and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), the study identifies significant regional disparities in e-commerce development. Key drivers include infrastructure, technology, and policy, with central provinces such as Henan and Shandong playing pivotal roles, while peripheral regions face challenges due to lower digital integration. The study highlights two primary pathways for development: one driven by infrastructure and productivity improvements, and the other by technological innovation. These findings offer policy recommendations for enhancing regional collaboration and reducing the urban-rural divide through targeted investments in infrastructure and digital integration.
format Article
id doaj-art-bffaca4293b149d3af2bfba7fcff4215
institution OA Journals
issn 2571-581X
language English
publishDate 2025-05-01
publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
record_format Article
series Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems
spelling doaj-art-bffaca4293b149d3af2bfba7fcff42152025-08-20T02:01:20ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems2571-581X2025-05-01910.3389/fsufs.2025.15573951557395Spatial linkage and integrated driving pathways of high-quality rural e-commerce development in the context of digital villages in ChinaLiu Fei0Wen Bo1Wang Xue2Wang Yanan3Wang Xiaoxi4Shang Dan5Hou Liang6Zhang Donghui7School of Economics, Hebei GEO University/Hebei Research Base of Scientific and Technological Innovation and Regional Economic Sustainable Development, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, ChinaSchool of Land Science and Space Planning, Hebei GEO University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, ChinaInstitute of Agricultural Information and Economics, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, ChinaHebei Provincial Agricultural Technology Extension Station, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, ChinaInstitute of Agricultural Information and Economics, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, ChinaInstitute of Agricultural Information and Economics, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, ChinaInstitute of Agricultural Information and Economics, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, ChinaInstitute of Remote Sensing Satellite, China Academy of Space Technology, Beijing, ChinaThis study investigates the high-quality development of rural e-commerce in China, focusing on its role in bridging the urban-rural divide and supporting rural revitalization in the context of digital village initiatives. Using data from 31 provinces (2018–2022), we assess the development levels, spatial linkages, and key drivers of rural e-commerce. Employing a combination of game-theoretic weighting, a modified gravity model, social network analysis, and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), the study identifies significant regional disparities in e-commerce development. Key drivers include infrastructure, technology, and policy, with central provinces such as Henan and Shandong playing pivotal roles, while peripheral regions face challenges due to lower digital integration. The study highlights two primary pathways for development: one driven by infrastructure and productivity improvements, and the other by technological innovation. These findings offer policy recommendations for enhancing regional collaboration and reducing the urban-rural divide through targeted investments in infrastructure and digital integration.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2025.1557395/fullrural e-commercehigh-quality developmentspatial linkage networkdigital villagesdriving pathways
spellingShingle Liu Fei
Wen Bo
Wang Xue
Wang Yanan
Wang Xiaoxi
Shang Dan
Hou Liang
Zhang Donghui
Spatial linkage and integrated driving pathways of high-quality rural e-commerce development in the context of digital villages in China
Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems
rural e-commerce
high-quality development
spatial linkage network
digital villages
driving pathways
title Spatial linkage and integrated driving pathways of high-quality rural e-commerce development in the context of digital villages in China
title_full Spatial linkage and integrated driving pathways of high-quality rural e-commerce development in the context of digital villages in China
title_fullStr Spatial linkage and integrated driving pathways of high-quality rural e-commerce development in the context of digital villages in China
title_full_unstemmed Spatial linkage and integrated driving pathways of high-quality rural e-commerce development in the context of digital villages in China
title_short Spatial linkage and integrated driving pathways of high-quality rural e-commerce development in the context of digital villages in China
title_sort spatial linkage and integrated driving pathways of high quality rural e commerce development in the context of digital villages in china
topic rural e-commerce
high-quality development
spatial linkage network
digital villages
driving pathways
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2025.1557395/full
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