Influence mechanism of digitalization on low-carbon economic development efficiency: An empirical analysis based on Zhejiang province

As a key factor of production, digitalization has been integrated into the goals of green and low-carbon development, driving improvements in low-carbon economic development efficiency. Using panel data from nine prefecture-level cities in Zhejiang province, this study constructs an econometric model to empirically analyze the impact of digitalization levels on low-carbon economic development efficiency and its underlying mechanisms. The findings reveal the following four aspects. First, digitalization significantly enhances low-carbon economic development efficiency, with all four sub-dimensions of digitalization demonstrating positive effects. Among these, digital infrastructure exerts the strongest influence. Second, both overall digitalization and its four sub-dimensions indirectly improve low-carbon economic efficiency by reducing energy consumption intensity and promoting industrial structure upgrading, confirming their significant mediating roles. Third, the synergy between digitalization (and three of its sub-dimensions, excluding digital penetration rate) and energy consumption intensity further boosts low-carbon economic efficiency. Fourth, the synergy between digitalization (including all four sub-dimensions) and industrial structure upgrading consistently enhances low-carbon economic performance. Based on these findings, the study proposes tailored policy recommendations to leverage digitalization for advancing low-carbon economic development efficiency in Zhejiang province.