Research on the interaction effects and coordinated relationship between digital agriculture and high-quality agricultural development in China

In the digital era, the development of digital agriculture (DA) serves as an effective pathway to achieve high-quality agricultural development (HQAD). Although both DA and HQAD are current research hotspots, the interaction and coordination mechanisms between them still urgently require exploration. This study constructs a theoretical analytical framework for the coordinated interaction between DA and HQAD. Utilizing data from 31 Chinese provinces from 2013 to 2023, it empirically analyzes the dynamic interactive effects, coordinated development levels, and the influencing mechanisms of regional disparities between them. The findings reveal that: (1) The development levels of both have been steadily improving, yet significant imbalances and inadequacies persist in their advancement. (2) There exists a mutually reinforcing dynamic interactive effect between DA and HQAD, and their own development exhibits cumulative effects and path dependence. (3) The coupling coordination degree between DA and HQAD has continuously increased, but overall remains at a primary coordination stage, exhibiting a spatial evolution pattern characterized by “eastern regions leading, central regions stable, and western regions catching up.” (4) Human resources, financial services, government support, and transportation logistics are the primary factors influencing the regional differences in the degree of coordination between the two. These findings provide policy guidance for fostering a virtuous cycle between China’s DA and HQAD. They also offer valuable insights and Chinese practices for other countries promoting agricultural modernization.