Analysis of the spatial urbanization effect of digital finance in China

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to empirically examine the impact of digital finance on spatial urbanization and elucidate its underlying mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

Using panel data of Chinese prefecture-level cities from 2011 to 2021, and using a spatial dynamic panel model, the authors analyzed the effects of digital finance on spatial urbanization and the mechanism of its action.

Findings

The findings of the study reveal that digital finance, along with its sub-dimensions, namely coverage breadth, usage depth and digitization degree, all contribute to the enhancement of spatial urbanization. The information channel effect generated by the development of postal and telecommunication businesses, the goods delivery effect generated by the development of retail businesses and the wealth accumulation effect generated by the accumulation of household wealth are all important channels through which digital finance promotes spatial urbanization. Digital finance exerts a significant promotional effect on spatial urbanization in second-tier cities, third-tier cities and their subsequent tiers. This observation alludes to the regionally inclusive nature of spatial urbanization promotion facilitated by digital finance.

Originality/value

The present study endeavors to fill this void by employing empirical analysis to investigate the ramifications of digital finance on spatial urbanization, thereby shedding light on the pivotal role played by digital finance in expediting the progression of spatial urbanization. This study undertakes an examination of the spatial spillover effects, thus providing a comprehensive exposition of the influence of digital finance on spatial urbanization. This study introduces this crucial dimension, and the empirical findings elucidate that digital finance fosters the evolution of spatial urbanization by broadening the coverage of information channels, augmenting the efficiency of goods distribution and enhancing wealth accumulation efficacy.

Citation

Hao, Y. and Zhao, W. (2023), "Analysis of the spatial urbanization effect of digital finance in China", Kybernetes, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/K-08-2023-1512